FutureWear - Fashion, Trends, Training

<< Background >>FutureWear - Fashion, Trends, Training is a project promoted by a partnership between organisations from the VET system (AECA, Trinijove, Dimitra) and organisations from non-formal education (baumhaus, Strim). It is set in a post-pandemic context that requires a redefinition of the role of VET systems to adapt to global changes. Current trends imply an updating of vocational education and training (VET) systems to meet the needs of new generations, especially of young people with fewer opportunities. Young people do not always find suitable solutions for their needs in VET systems. Hybrid experiences that combine formal and non-formal elements are emerging as an answer, offering flexible work paths, suitable for young people. The streetwear fashion sector, a reference point for young people, must move towards sustainable production, in line with European initiatives to adapt skills, reduce inequalities and promote environmental sustainability and digitalisation.<< Objectives >>The project developed a hybrid training device focused on eco-friendly fashion and streetwear. The objective is to meet the professional aspirations of young people, especially those with fewer opportunities, by aligning training and interest of the target group with the ecological transformation needs of the fashion industry. To this end, the project accomplished: an analysis of trends in the fashion system in the light of a strong need for ecological transition in this sector (PR1), the creation of a training device for young people at risk of dropping out of school (PR2) and a transnational training of trainers (LTTA) to plan and carry out a piloting of the training device (PR3) involving students and trainers in different countries of the partnership, followed by a feedback session to adapt the device. The project also included a competence certification model based on the European micro-credential perspective by valorising skills developed in formal and non-formal contexts. FutureWear aimed to combine training and innovation in sustainable fashion, offering opportunities to young people and contributing to the sustainability of the textile industry<< Implementation >>The project included both transversal activities as well as activities targeted and specific to certain project objectives or sectors; the former acted as a support for the achievement of the objectives of the 'FutureWear: Fashion, Trends, Training' project, including several key aspects such as Management and Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, Communication and Dissemination, 5 Transnational Meetings and 4 Multiplier Events. Cross-cutting activities followed the development of the project, allowing problems and obstacles to be promptly identified and the course to be realigned to achieve the set objectives. This approach facilitated an accurate evaluation of results and an effective dissemination of acquired knowledge.The specific activities consisted in the creation of the PR1 Foresight report, a forecast report on trends in the sustainable fashion sector in VET. Based on the findings, PR2 was constructed, a training toolkit in which a new training model for the sustainable fashion industry is proposed. During LTTA, the framework of PR2 was validated and the structure for the implementation of the workshops, PR3, was prepared.<< Results >>The results achieved can be identified in: Project Result 1,2,3, Multiplier Events and LTTA Training ActivityPR1-Foresight Report, focuses on trends in the fashion and education sector. Based on Desk Research, strategic interviews, and feedback from young people in focus groups, the report was instrumental in the creation of PR2 and PR3.PR2-TOOLKIT consisting of 5 different parts: Guidelines for the Participation of the New Generations, The Micro-credentialing System, Soft Skills in Fashion Training, Evaluation Notes, Curricula.PR3-EXPERIMENTATION WORKSHOPS, one in each partner country, where 4 different units in the toolkit were tested with groups of young people with fewer opportunities.LTTA, in which 15 operators were involved in the validation of the PR2 content and the co-design of the structure to follow during workshop activities. 4 MULTIPLIER EVENTS organised in the course of the project, occasions to present the results as they were ready and to share reflections and avenues for practical application with territorial stakeholders