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September 2025
Final Conference and Workshop of the BA&VET Project (Gdansk, 17–18 September 2025)
How can higher education and vocational education and training be better connected to meet labour-market needs? This guiding question framed the BA&VET partners’ final workshop and transfer conference in Gdansk on 17-18 September 2025.
Bringing together universities and VET providers from across the Baltic Sea region and beyond, the meeting marked a key milestone: reviewing progress, finalising results, and preparing the ground for sustainable use beyond the project lifetime. From dual bachelor pathways and further education programmes to train-the-trainer formats and qualification models, partners focused on ensuring quality, coherence, and long-term impact.
In hands-on working sessions and targeted discussions, attention shifted from development to transfer: How can the results be disseminated effectively? What support is needed for implementation? And how can the project’s achievements continue to make a difference after completion?
September 2025
From Idea to Innovation: TalTech Students Create AI System for Textile Quality Control
Students of TalTech Tartu College developed an AI-based quality control system for the textile industry, turning a corridor idea into a nine-month project in collaboration with the AI & Robotics Estonia (AIRE) Centre and Vikan AS. The goal was to automate knitting defect detection on production lines.
Without prior industry experience, the students built a test model at the college, then installed the system in the factory, tackling challenges like lighting, shadows, and yarn tension. A dataset of defective fabrics enabled reliable model training.
Led by machine learning specialist Gregor Kokk, the final solution can monitor two production lines, detect errors, and show their location on screen. The project not only delivered a practical industrial innovation but also gave students valuable hands-on experience and showed how academic learning can connect with industry.
Januar 2025
Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Implements BA&VET Project Energy Consultant Pilot Training Programme for SME
From November 2024 to January 2025, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) ran a pilot training for Energy Consultants within the BA&VET project, boosting energy efficiency expertise in Estonian SMEs. Combining classroom and individual learning, it attracted 33 participants from 26 companies.
Guided by experts Ülo Kask and Ülle Pind, the course covered energy efficiency, renewables, carbon footprints, and communication strategies. Guest lecturers from Swedbank and Enefit AS shared insights on financing and energy-saving solutions.
Across 10 modules, the programme promoted sustainable energy practices and aimed to empower SMEs for the green transition.
December 2024
The testing of bachelor’s degree study programme: Management of Renewable Building Energy Technology has been started at Tallinn University of Technology Tartu College.
On December 4th, Tartu College started testing the bachelor study programme prepared by Satakunta University of Applied Sciences. Testing includes certain modules and courses of the study programme Management of Renewable Building Energy Technology.
The first course selected for testing was English for Working Life from the General Basic Studies module. In December, we plan to test the core modules, while some courses will be tested during the spring semester.
September 2024
Driving Innovation and Sustainability: BA&VET Project Progress Update
On September 4th, the BA&VET project consortium gathered for a productive Transnational Project Meeting, focusing on advancing new dual study programs and further education. Key discussions centered on piloting the new programs “Business Administration & Sustainable Management of SMEs” and “Management of Renewable Building Energy Technology”. Simultaneously, our piloting of the new further trainings “Commercial Specialist in Sustainable Management” and “Energy Consultant” were discussed and planned.
These innovative programs aim to address the shortage of skilled workers and entrepreneurs by bridging the gap between academic learning and practical experience. By combining university education with hands-on training, we’re preparing graduates to tackle challenges in green energy, climate protection, and promote innovation in SMEs.
October 2024
Dual Study Programmes Ready for Implementation: Business & Energy Programmes Enter Testing Phase
Two new three-stage dual study programmes developed within the BA&VET project are reaching a decisive milestone. Following the completion of concepts, curricula, module handbooks and examination regulations, both programmes are now ready for implementation.
Starting this semester at Gdansk University of Technology, the dual programmes combine academic education with vocational training and respond directly to labour-market needs in sustainable management and renewable energy technology.
January 2024
Train the Trainer Programme Finalised: Concept, Curriculum and Teaching Materials Completed
How can educators be effectively prepared to deliver high-quality dual study programmes and continuing training across borders? With the completion of the Train the Trainer programme, the BA&VET project reached a key milestone in strengthening teaching capacity and ensuring sustainable implementation.
Based on extensive testing and evaluation, the final concept, curriculum and teaching materials are now available-providing a robust foundation for universities and VET providers across the Baltic Sea Region.
October 2023
Advancing Education for a Sustainable Future: BA&VET Consortium Workshop
The BA&VET consortium met at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (BHH) for a train-the-trainer seminar and a transnational project meeting. The focus was on dual bachelor’s degree programmes that integrate initial and continuing vocational training to improve permeability.
Progress included the development and testing of two three-tier bachelor’s degree programmes, alongside specialised further training in climate and environmental protection. During the seminar, SAMK showcased its innovative training concepts, highlighting pedagogy, mentoring, and digital teaching tools.
Discussions explored diverse approaches to digital tools in education. Key concerns included the evolving role of teachers and how reduced classroom interaction impacts students’ personal development and adaptability in the workplace.
Informal talks revealed common challenges such as declining student initiative, poor time management, and increasing learning difficulties. The consortium stressed the need for stronger support systems to help students navigate their daily tasks effectively.
December 2022
New Project Launch!
The BA&VET Project started on December 1, 2022, runs for 36 months and ends on November 30, 2025.
The project partnership brings together leading institutions from business, science and vocational training from various countries. This international expertise forms the basis for developing innovative approaches and promoting sustainable solutions, especially for SMEs. You can find an overview of the partners on the “Partners” page.
The aim is to support SMEs in implementing climate and environmental protection measures through new dual study programs as well as targeted further trainings and R&D projects. You can find out more about the specific results on the “Results” page!
The creation of these resources has been (partially) funded by the ERASMUS+ grant program of the European Union under grant no. 2022-1-DE01-KA220-HED-000085523.
Neither the European Commission nor the project’s national funding agency DAAD are responsible for the content or liable for any losses or damage resulting of the use of these resources.