BUILDS - Bottom-Up Initiative for Learning and Development of Skills in Construction
Grant agreement:
101260065
Funding programme:
ERASMUS-EDU-2025-PI-FORWARD
Budget:
999 627.38 €
Start date:
01/02/2026
End date:
31/01/2029
Duration:
36 months
The BUILDS (Bottom-Up Initiative for Learning and Development of Skills in Construction) project aims to transform the way skills are developed and governed in the European construction sector by addressing the widening gap between labour market demands and the capacity of current training ecosystems. In a sector facing acute shortages of green and digital skills, low youth interest, and uneven regional governance, BUILDS offers a bottom-up, inclusive model to accelerate the twin transitions while ensuring no one is left behind.
Through the establishment of Regional Pact for Skills Hubs across five European territories, the project will empower local stakeholders—SMEs, VET providers, regional authorities, and social partners—to jointly coordinate reskilling and upskilling strategies tailored to their specific challenges and priorities. These hubs will serve as engines for regional cooperation and innovation, connecting central EU initiatives like the Pact for Skills with real-world implementation on the ground.
BUILDS will develop and deploy a data-driven Skills Intelligence Toolkit to forecast emerging skill needs and inform strategic workforce planning. It pilots modular, microcredential-based learning paths for three core target groups: lowskilled workers, employees needing to take on new tasks, and individuals transitioning from other sectors. These training portfolios will be embedded in smart, interoperable credentialing systems that facilitate validation, recognition, and mobility across regions and industries.
Through strategic policy engagement, digital dissemination, and a comprehensive transferability package, BUILDS ensures sustainable, system-level impact beyond the project lifecycle—bridging the skills gap in construction through inclusive, regional innovation and empowering Europe’s green and digital future.
Project activities
Development of Regional Pact for Skills Hubs through stakeholder engagement, governance analysis, and strategic planning. Creation of sustainable governance models and tools for long-term coordination and scalability.
Development of the Regional Pact for Skills Intelligence Platform for the Construction Sector, development of a toolkit and matchmaking mechanism linking labour market needs with training provision. Exploration of financing models and validation of tools through pilot testing.
Development of modular training programmes and micro-credential pathways for Construction Workers aligned with EU frameworks and sector needs. Implementation and validation of training courses through pilot delivery and digital learning platforms.
Implementation of dissemination activities and stakeholder engagement strategies at local, national, and EU levels.
Expected results
Regional Pact for Skills Hubs established in multiple European regions, enabling structured cooperation between stakeholders in the construction sector.
Skills Intelligence Toolkit and platform created to provide data-driven insights on labour market needs, especially for green and digital skills.
Matchmaking system developed to link labour market needs, training opportunities and learner profiles
Мodular training programmes developed and tailored to low-skilled workers, upskilling workers and career changers
Microcredential system implemented, enabling recognition, portability, and accumulation of skills across regions and sectors.
Pilot trainings implemented and participants certified to improve employability and adaptability.
Sustainable governance models and operational tools developed for long-term use of the Regional Skills hubs
Innovative financing models identified and tested to support skills development ecosystems
Policy recommendations produced to influence national and EU-level skills strategies in construction.
Delivery of dissemination and communication outputs (events, materials, platforms) ensuring wide stakeholder engagement.
Transferability and upscaling package created to support replication in other regions and sectors
Contribution to green and digital transition achieved through skills development in construction
Partners
Cleantech Bulgaria is a business network for clean technologies, innovation and sustainable development
