ECVET compatible 3D printing training modules for automotive technologies

"<< Background >>Professional improvement of vocational teachers is a foundation of good quality and applicable technical and vocational education, both school and work-based. Implementing new technologies, such as 3D print and prototyping in high schools of VET will reinforce bonds between the labour market and school education. As of today, we do not have at our disposal an advanced curriculum for a training course of 3D printing for the Automotive Technology department to apply 3D modelling to stimulate young minds, awaken their creativity and potential in a school laboratory. As a consequence of the increased utilization of 3D printing across industries, it is necessary for teachers to improve their design and technical competencies mandatory to handle this automation. The progress in skills anticipation can be achieved through the use of updated curriculum applicable for effective learning in line with the demands of the sectors and innovations. Vocational teachers are indispensable to support the skills improvement of the labour force. << Objectives >>- Increased awareness of VET Teachers about 3D printing system, design, print & slicing models, creation of 3D models.-Larger comprehension of 3D printing technical demands including equipment and software benchmark- The elevated experience level of VET teachers by efficient application of learning outcomes and curriculum with assessment opportunities- Advanced expertise, qualifications and ability to improve and acquire new skills of Automotive Technology teachers in vocational high schools.- Larger understanding of 3D printing process by VET teachers.- High level of experience in developing models suitable for 3D printing, increased modelling skills, slicing techniques & materials, 3D printing for automotive field.- Development of knowledge and competencies progress framework compatible with ECVET, containing results, syllabus, technical prerequisites report with equipment and software benchmark.- Composition, verification, modernization, and preservation of 3D printing educational program mobile HUB for vocational schools- Supporting EU VET preference to improve vocational skills in consideration of labor market and sector requirements- Increase the level of skills in VET learners for employability<< Implementation >>During the two-year duration of the project, we implemented the following activities:•Development of effective communication plan•Preparation of the action plan•Preparation of the five transnational project meeting minutes and action plan•Planning dissemination process and collect reports on the results every 6 months•Formulating a quality evaluation plan and applying it•Establishing an advisory group in each partner country, composed of various specialists from VET centres, educational authorities, 3D printing companies, and policy-makers•Preparation of dissemination reports with details of goals, reached impact, the number of participants etc.•Devising strategy of exploitation and progress•Creating a project website•Regular update of the project website•Production of informative dissemination materials (posters, banners, flyers, info-notes, info-graphics, paper brochures•Production of the project results (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5)•Creation of the YouTube channel and upload videos•Pilot try-outs report with case studies•Arrangement of multiplier events ""Hands-on workshop for 3D print projects""•Arrangement of the multiplier event ""3D Print Seminar and Workshop""•Preparation of the reports<< Results >>1) ECVET based 3D printing curriculum and training module in Automotive Technology Education (R1)Unit 1. Introduction to 3D print technology in Automotive EducationUnit 2. 3D printer partsUnit 3. Creation of objects in a virtual environmentUnit 4. Slicing techniquesUnit 5. Using techniques of the 3D printerUnit 6. 3D printing materialsUnit 7. Sample STL codes for Automotive Technology Education2) Animation videos (R2)Video 1. Introduction to 3D print technology in Automotive EducationVideo 2. 3D printer partsVideo 3. Creation of objects in a virtual environmentVideo 4. Slicing techniquesVideo 5. Using techniques of the 3D printerVideo 6. 3D printing materialsVideo 7. Sample STL codes for Automotive Technology Education3) Mobile HUB for VET Teachers in Automotive Technology (R3)Visual tipsDrawingPractical methods for selected softwareVideo to explain ""how to use the mobile HUB?""Paper brochure4) Virtual training seminars and webinars for VET teachers in automotive technology (R4)PresentationsVideosNotes for the virtual training seminars and webinarsPaper brochure5) Policy recommendation report for 3D printing in VET (R5)WhitepaperScientific articlesPoster presentation"