Woodworking VET meets 3dprinting and XR
The meeting point between tradition and innovation — empowering VET trainers in the woodworking sector to apply cutting-edge digital technologies such as 3D printing and XR in their classrooms. Modernising teaching practices, aligning training with real industry demands, and making vocational education more attractive to new generations.
Why ShiftVET?
VET in the woodworking sector struggles to keep pace with digital innovation. ShiftVET addresses key challenges to support its modernisation and relevance.
Low digital adoption in the wood sector
Digital tools like 3D printing and XR are still rarely used in woodworking VET programs.
Lack of teacher training in emerging technologies
Many VET trainers are unfamiliar with how to use advanced digital tools in their teaching.
Shortage of tailored teaching resources
There is a lack of sector-specific educational materials to support the integration of digital technologies.
Need to attract new learners
Making VET more modern and digitally connected helps engage younger generations.
Mismatch with industry demands
Current training often fails to reflect the skills required in Industry 4.0 environments.
Weak collaboration with tech companies
Limited interaction between VET institutions and technology providers hinders innovation transfer.
Need for European-level exchange
Sharing good practices across countries to reduce innovation gaps in VET.
Objectives
ShiftVET sets out concrete objectives to promote the digital transformation of VET in the woodworking sector through practical, transferable, and collaborative actions.
Improve trainers’ digital competence
Help VET trainers understand and apply digital technologies such as 3D printing and XR in their teaching practices
Develop an open repository
Create and share a collection of training exercises and tools accessible to all VET providers across Europe
Test innovative tools with students
Implement hands-on activities using digital tools with VET students to validate their effectiveness and adaptability
Create a transferability guide
Produce a practical guide to support the implementation of digital strategies in other VET fields and institutions
Partners
ShiftVET brings together four partners from different European countries, combining expertise in education, innovation, and the woodworking sector to promote digital transformation in VET.
Main Activities
ShiftVET is structured around three core activities designed to guide the digital transformation of woodworking VET, from analysis to practical implementation and transfer.
Analysis and digital integration
Evaluate the current use of digital tools in woodworking VET and identify best practices and opportunities to implement XR and 3D printing technologies
Development of training content
Design and test digital-based training exercises and student projects, using real classroom settings to validate the materials created
Transfer and implementation guide
Produce a practical guide with recommendations, lessons learned, and adaptable strategies to support the adoption of digital tools in other VET sectors
Results
ShiftVET is structured around three core activities designed to guide the digital transformation of woodworking VET, from analysis to practical implementation and transfer.
Training exercises and student projects
A collection of hands-on activities using XR and 3D printing that can be replicated or adapted by other VET centres
Open online repository
A freely accessible platform where exercises, resources, and tools will be published for use by trainers across Europe
Implementation and transferability guide
A practical document summarising the project’s methodology, outcomes, and recommendations for adopting digital technologies in VET
Increased digital uptake in VET
A broader and more effective use of digital tools in vocational training, especially in traditional sectors like woodworking.
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ShiftVET is more than a training project — it’s a replicable model where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. By connecting trainers, institutions, and experts across Europe, we’re shaping the future of vocational education.