Setting up the 3DECO-HUBS

Activity 3 aims

The aim of this activity is to provide comprehensive professional development for VET (Vocational Education and Training) trainers, enabling them to become experts in 3D technologies, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The activity focuses on a blended transnational “Train the Trainer” program, where VET trainers will explore, test, and utilize newly developed materials, tools, and resources. This includes preparatory online sessions, a short-term transnational mobility event in Cyprus, additional face-to-face and virtual training, and the assessment and validation of newly acquired skills. The goal is to equip VET trainers with expertise in 3D technologies and entrepreneurship, enabling them to mentor other trainers and guide VET students through workshops where students will apply their knowledge to real-life problems, create 3D designs, and propose business plans for a sustainable future. Ultimately, the activity seeks to foster the trainers’ ability to teach innovative skills and promote sustainability within VET institutions. -Promoting EU values and ethics that promote solidarity, respect and understanding between different cultures, ages etc.

The main results of A3 will be:

BLENDED TRANSNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING MOBILITY FOR VET TRAINERS – Through the BLENDED TRANSNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR VET TRAINERS – C1 all professionals will acquire the skills, competences, knowledge and attitude to use 3D modelling and printing in their teaching. 3D-P skills are highly valued by the labour market as an emerging technology which comes to bridge the digital gap between E&T supporting various sectors such as manufacturing. The transnational mobility of professionals will enable the sharing of knowledge, the exchange of good practices and the understanding for addressing common challenges faced such as the digital transformation of VET training, green transition and sustainable development. P2-EMP has a fully equipped STEAM LAB which will enable trainers to explore other digital tools (drones, VR) thus enriching their spectrum of digital tools.

3DECO-PRENEURS4VET TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS FOR VET TRAINERS AND STUDENTS Through the TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS at national level for VET trainers will be given the opportunity to attend upskilling training and will also be provided with new tools and resources to be tested which will enrich the ones used at the VET institutions thus upgrading the formal training offered to VET students. VET students will participate in interactive, creative and engaging workshops which will aim to identify a real need for a 3D product which can then be exploited further while promoting re-use and recycling. For example, producing artefacts needed for the house like cup coasters, Christmas decorations. These products will then be exhibited and exploited as part of a business plan (socially oriented).

BLENDED TRANSNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING MOBILITY FOR VET TRAINERS

The Blended Transnational Professional Development Training Mobility (C1) held from 20–22 October 2025 at the premises of Emphasys Centre in Nicosia Cyprus!

Over three inspiring days, VET trainers explored topics on 3D Design, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, and Social Innovation, blending hands-on learning with technology and creativity. The sessions included an Emphasys Lab tour, AI and new technologies workshops, and opportunities for trainers to design and 3D print their own creations.

The event fostered collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a more sustainable and entrepreneurial approach to VET education. A big thank-you to all participants and partners for making this mobility such a success!

Testimonials

3DECO-PRENEURS4VET Training and workshops for VET trainers and students

Poland

As part of the 3DECO-PRENEURS4VET project, a series of trainings was organised at LCKZiU Vocational School in Lublin, Poland, aimed at developing digital, entrepreneurial, and green skills through 3D technologies, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability education.
In December 2025, five VET teachers participated in workshops on circular economy, recycling, business models, and 3D design using TinkerCAD. They also developed their own 3D projects and teaching materials.
From January to February 2026, ten VET students took part in pilot sessions focused on 3D modelling and printing, entrepreneurship, and the Business Model Canvas. They designed and produced practical objects such as holders, bumpers, organizers, and an educational cube.
The training had a strong practical focus and was very positively received. Participants reported improved digital and entrepreneurial skills as well as greater environmental awareness. The programme highlighted the value of combining 3D technology with vocational education and sustainability.

Cyprus

In collaboration with Livadia Lyceum, Emphasys Centre organised a series of workshops for VET Trainers and Students for the 3DECO-PRENEURS4VET project.
During these sessions the students and trainers were presented with the objectives and thoughts of the 3DECO-PRENEURS4VET project, specifically the dual challenges of digital and green transformation by equipping VET trainers and learners with cutting-edge skills in 3D Modelling, Design, and Printing (3D-M-P), paired with social entrepreneurial competencies.
Each session, was accompanied with a 3D Design session. The first session focused on the project objectives, an introduction to 3D Design and 3D printing, then a presentation of the sustainable and green practices modules and concluding with a 3D Design workshop. The second session focused on entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship the differences between the two, identifying examples in Cyprus and concluded with a 3D Design workshop. The third and final session focused on 3D Designing and 3D printing in more detail. The learners were then presented with the activities, created small groups and were asked and were asked to combine all three topics to create a 3D object and then develop into a business plan.
The objects that were developed were the AQUAPAL – self watering pot, BALCOBLOOM – Self watering plant pot – square, FARMSHELL – Egg carrier, WALLiGREEN – Vertical Garden and Weatherly – solar wifi weather station.