Leather Goods Training Takes Centre Stage in São João da Madeira and Ubrique Bootcamps

In July, the Erasmus+ Learning Factories project organised two bootcamps: one in São João da Madeira, Portugal, and another in Ubrique, Spain. These events brought together project partners as well as VET teachers and trainers in leather goods from Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Romania, and Poland. The aim was to expand knowledge on specific topics, encourage the joint development of learning materials, particularly work-based activities, and initiate new and creative forms of collaboration between companies and VET providers, always placing companies at the heart of the training process.

The first bootcamp was hosted in São João da Madeira, a town known for its tradition of footwear manufacturing, from the 1st to the 3rd of July. The Footwear Technological Centre in Portugal hosted the international bootcamp for three intensive days of knowledge sharing, technical visits, and collaborative development of training content.

The programme addressed key strategic themes in the sector, including sustainability and circularity, process digitalisation, 3D printing, and innovative learning methodologies in real work environments. Through hands-on workshops, company visits, and co-creation sessions, the bootcamp highlighted the vital role of training in driving innovation and competitiveness in the footwear and leather goods industries.

The second bootcamp was held from the 22nd to the 24th of July in Ubrique, a town renowned for its tradition of leather goods manufacturing. Hosted by the Technological Leather Centre, the workshop participants explored forward-looking topics such as the use of artificial intelligence in design and patternmaking, the digital transformation of high-value manufacturing processes, the integration of e-learning and digital tools into training, and a pioneering model for placing companies at the forefront of VET. Participants also had the opportunity to visit factories to learn the many operations required to make a handbag.

To stay updated on the progress of the project, connect with us on LinkedIn and visit our website! Join us in shaping the future of European leather goods, a future where tradition meets technology, ensuring sustainability and competitiveness for generations to come!

The Learning Factories project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union.