The European Association of Regional & Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning (EARLALL) continues to strengthen its position as a key actor in promoting innovation within vocational education and training (VET) and advancing regional development goals. Through its engagement in significant EU initiatives, including the LCAMP project and the Harnessing Talent Platform (HTP), EARLALL is contributing to the alignment of skills development strategies with the evolving demands of the labour market.
On 6 December, EARLALL’s Director, Noelia Cantero, participated in the Research and Innovation Working Groups of the Harnessing Talent Platform. During the meeting, she underscored the relevance of the LCAMP: Learner Centric Advanced Manufacturing Platform for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) as one example of best practice. The Harnessing Talent Platform, an initiative established by the European Commission, aims to address the challenges of talent retention and development, particularly in regions facing demographic or economic pressures. As a member of the HTP Working Group on Research and Innovation, EARLALL is actively contributing to the formulation of strategies that promote sustainable talent ecosystems.
Ms Cantero highlighted the potential for collaboration between the HTP Working Groups and LCAMP’s experts in skills observatories, particularly regarding skills assessment. This connection, she suggested, could provide critical insights into the development of regional talent strategies that are both evidence-based and aligned with market needs. Such an approach reinforces the strategic importance of integrating regional expertise into broader EU frameworks.
Noelia Cantero explained that the LCAMP project has made significant strides toward achieving its indicators, reflecting its impact and progress. Notable achievements include the establishment of multiple regional observatories on advanced manufacturing, with 10 observatories currently active and organizations utilizing the observatory’s resources. The project will also foster a robust open innovation community, boasting 200 alliance members by the end of the project (30 organisations are already in), 20 cooperation projects among members, and 150 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with external organizations. In the area of learner-centric training, among others, 100 micro-credential courses will be developed (EQF 3 to 6), and 60 critical skill gaps identified. Furthermore, LCAMP has implemented innovative advanced manufacturing learning factories, aiming at 80 students engaging in international cooperation and 8 products developed through collaboration. She highlighted that it is still a work in progress as the project is only halfway through. The HTP working group members were very interested in learning more about the observatory of skills and its regional components. The participants were also invited to the LCAMP Annual Conference in Sweden on 13-15 May 2025.
The preceding day, on 5 December, representatives from the Region Västra Götaland’s skills team visited Brussels to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration on skills development. EARLALL played a facilitative role in this engagement, presenting its ongoing initiatives, including the upcoming LCAMP 2025 Conference: Networking Camp. Scheduled to take place from 13–15 May 2025 in Finspång, Sweden. The visit also provided an opportunity to share insights on innovative approaches to skills development, further consolidating the links between regional actors and European-level strategies that can be useful for the LCAMP project’s upcoming activities, such as the Alliance.
EARLALL’s dissemination of the LCAMP project and active participation in the HTP demonstrate a strategic commitment to addressing key challenges in talent and skills development. By fostering collaboration across regions and aligning initiatives with EU priorities, EARLALL is not only advancing its mission but also contributing to the broader discourse on how VET can drive innovation and regional resilience.
