Aileen

Building Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing
AILEEN addresses the growing shortage of skilled professionals in the Aerospace and Defence sectors by establishing Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) for Advanced Manufacturing (AM). The project supports the recovery and future development of the aerospace industry through innovative training methodologies, tools, and specialised sector-focused education. By creating the first CoVEs dedicated to Advanced Manufacturing, AILEEN promotes excellence in vocational education and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and best practices across Europe.

From Local Innovation to European Impact
Using a bottom-up approach, AILEEN first pilots and validates its solutions at national level through vocational education and training (VET) providers both within and outside the consortium. The project's outcomes are then scaled across Europe through partner networks, ensuring broad dissemination and long-term impact. This approach helps strengthen collaboration between education providers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers.

Empowering People and Driving Results
The project targets current and future professionals in welding and additive manufacturing, including both young people and adults. Other key target groups include VET providers, teachers, trainers, guidance professionals, aerospace and defence experts, policymakers, qualification agencies, industry representatives, and standardisation bodies. Key project outcomes include the development of a strategic plan for Advanced Manufacturing CoVEs, identification of best practices, nomination and award methodologies for CoVEs, capacity-building activities, staff mobility programmes, and the piloting of innovative training approaches such as apprenticeships, applied research, and competence-based learning.