NEWS

METEOR × i4U: Building a skills pathway from VET to doctoral education

Burgos (Spain) 8–10 May 2025 — METEOR and i4U joined forces to present a complementary vision of skills development that connects vocational education and training (VET) with doctoral education and early research careers. Rather than a single showcase, this was a coordinated synergy activity designed to demonstrate how both projects address different stages of the lifelong learning continuum.

 

Why this synergy matters

 

  • Two audiences, one pathway:
    i4U strengthens innovative approaches in VET to build future skills and employability for young people. METEOR develops transversal skills, proposal design, and collaboration capacity for PhD candidates and early-career researchers—aligning research competences with market and societal needs.
  • Bridging education and employment:
    Side-by-side dissemination illustrated how learners can progress from VET into higher education and research, with consistent attention to transferable skills, innovation, and real-world impact.
  • European added value:
    Together, the projects underline EU priorities on employability, innovation, and adaptability across educational levels.

What we did together

  • Coordinated presence with dedicated booths, brochures, and direct engagement.
  • Joint messaging that linked future skills in VET (i4U) to research skills and eco-outwards impact in doctoral training (METEOR).
  • Cross-referrals between stands to help visitors map learning routes and opportunities relevant to their stage.

Reach & engagement

  • The exhibition attracted over 500 participants, primarily VET students and teachers, with additional master’s/PhD students and young entrepreneurs engaging with both projects.

Outcome

This synergy activity showcased a complementary skills pipeline: from practical, work-ready competences at VET level to advanced, research-driven competences at doctoral level. It provides a concrete example of how EU-funded projects can collaborate to strengthen lifelong learning pathways and the connection between education and the labour market.

Learn more:

  • METEOR — Methodologies for Teamworking in Eco-outwards Research: meteorhorizon.eu
  • i4U — Industry 4.0 Upskilling for You: i4u-project.eu