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TRANSFORMATION PROJECT NEWSLETTER 2
Dear Reader,
With this second newsletter of the TWIN TRANSFORMATION project, we would like to emphasize the crucial role of young people and vocational education providers in shaping a more sustainable and digitally advanced future for shoemaking and leather sectors. Their involvement is key to addressing the dual challenges of environmental sustainability and digital transformation.
Highlight: Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future in Shoemaking
The TWIN TRANSFORMATION project is forging a new path for the leather and shoemaking sectors by engaging young people through vocational education and training (VET). With a focus on green and digital competencies, the project emphasizes the importance of collaboration between industry leaders and educational institutions to prepare a new generation of eco-conscious, digitally skilled shoemakers and leather employees.
As climate change and digitalization redefine industry landscapes, youth involvement becomes vital. This initiative ensures that young workers and apprentices are not only future-ready but actively contributing to sustainable transformation alongside SME owners.
Vocational Education Centres: The Heart of Youth Engagement
Vocational education centres are playing a pivotal role in the TWIN TRANSFORMATION project by bridging the gap between education and industry. With extensive experience in vocational training and active participation in innovation-focused initiatives, these institutions are leading efforts to engage and empower young learners.
This strong collaboration between education providers and the industry ensures that young people gain hands-on, relevant skills – from carbon footprint measurement to sustainable production methods.
Why Young Workers Need Green & Digital Skills: EU Context
The European Union’s Green Deal and 2030 Digital Compass call for a dramatic shift toward a low- carbon, circular economy and a digitally skilled workforce.
The European Green Deal:
The European Commission’s comprehensive strategy to align climate, energy, transport, and taxation policies with the goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 places strong emphasis on sustainable practices across industries - including leather and footwear. To meet these
demands, young professionals must be equipped with skills in eco-design, emissions management, and circular product lifecycle principles.
The Digital Compass:
This update on Europe’s digital strategy outlines the EU’s ambition for 80% of adults to possess basic digital skills by 2030, while positioning digital transformation as a central pillar of vocational education and training.
This project aligns directly with those goals, ensuring young people gain critical competencies in:
- ISO standards for environmental protection.
- Carbon, water, and energy footprint measurement.
- Interactive, digital learning platforms for lifelong learning.
Looking Ahead: Shaping a New Generation of Sustainable Artisans:
By empowering young people to lead the change, the TWIN TRANSFORMATION project is driving the modernization of the leather and shoemaking sectors while strengthening its long-term resilience. Through active collaboration among VET providers, SMEs, and policymakers, the next generation of shoemakers and leatherworkers will emerge with strong digital skills and a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
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