3aDitional+ aims to revitalize traditional manufacturing sectors (footwear, toys, and jewellery) by integrating additive manufacturing (3D printing) to ensure their future competitiveness and employment, with a strong focus on upskilling older workers and attracting young talent.
The core objective of 3aDitional+ is twofold: to facilitate the modernization of established companies through process improvement driven by 3D printing expertise, and to simultaneously enhance the attractiveness of these vital sectors to a new generation of talent, thereby ensuring their long-term competitiveness and fostering employment opportunities. By equipping experienced workers with cutting-edge skills, the project champions their continued inclusion in today’s dynamic labor market. Furthermore, by showcasing the innovative potential within these traditional crafts, 3aDitional+ aims to captivate young individuals and secure the future of these valuable industries.
The project’s comprehensive work plan, encompassing five work packages, will culminate in the development of targeted 3D printing training content and an accessible teaching methodology. These resources will then be piloted through practical training actions within the footwear, toys, and jewellery sectors. Recognizing the importance of broader impact, 3aDitional+ will leverage international networking tools and a robust dissemination strategy to ensure the transferability of its results across the European Union.
Key Objectives
Upskilling Older Workers
Provide accessible and practical 3D printing training to older workers in traditional sectors to update their skills and maintain employability.
Attracting Young Talent
Increase the appeal of these sectors to young people through the integration of innovative technologies.
Target young people in youth guarantee programs.
Modernizing Traditional Sectors
Facilitate the adoption of additive manufacturing for prototyping to improve processes and competitiveness.
Developing Comprehensive Training
Create online, accessible training modules with theoretical and practical content, including sector-specific specializations.
Create a teaching methodology.
EU-Wide Dissemination
Provide accessible and practical 3D printing training to older workers in traditional sectors to update their skills and maintain employability.
Key Activities
- Analysis of 3D prototyping needs in the target sectors.
- Development of online training modules and a user-friendly platform.
- Implementation of pilot training programs.
- Establishment of an international networking observatory.
- Dissemination of results.
Target Groups
- Individuals currently working in prototyping for the footwear, toy and children’s product, and jewellery industries. This particularly includes older workers with significant experience in traditional methods who now require training in modern technologies such as design and additive manufacturing to update their skills and remain competitive.
- Young people participating in Youth Guarantee or similar initiatives in the partner countries. These are individuals not currently in employment, education, or training, who will be offered opportunities for employment, further education, or apprenticeships upon completion of formal education or unemployment. The project leverages ADESOS’s access to Youth Guarantee participant records to recruit suitable candidates. This focus on youth also addresses the skilled labour gap arising from retirements in areas like modelling and mould/die making.
- Teachers, trainers, and other stakeholders in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector. This includes those delivering training at various levels and those connected to the target industries and VET providers within the participating and broader impact countries through the International Observatory’s network.
Ultimately, 3aDitional+ project envisions a future where the rich heritage of the footwear, toys, and jewellery sectors is invigorated by the transformative power of additive manufacturing, creating a skilled, adaptable, and sustainable workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. This project is dedicated to providing accessible and practical training, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation for the benefit of both experienced professionals and the next generation of industry leaders.