Craftwise European Project

European Project

Transforming Craft Education in Europe

A European Erasmus+ project developing a new collaborative apprenticeship model to boost employability, preserve craftsmanship and bring innovation to the craft sector.

Craftwise Project

Connecting artisans and young designers through innovation, skills and entrepreneurship

About the Project

Project Summary & Objectives

Project Summary

CraftWise is a European Erasmus+ project implemented in Romania, Türkiye, Spain, Greece and Belgium that aims to transform how craftsmanship is learned and shared across generations.

The project connects young people with experienced craft professionals through an innovative approach that combines traditional knowledge, digital tools and entrepreneurial skills. This creates new learning opportunities and helps improve youth employability in the craft sector.

By bridging the gap between education and real professional practice, CraftWise supports the sustainability of traditional crafts while promoting innovation and new career pathways for the next generation.

Project Objectives

CraftWise aims to transform how craft skills are developed and transferred by creating new learning models that connect education with real professional practice.

The project focuses on strengthening the craft sector through innovation, employability and sustainable career pathways for young people.

Enhance Employability

Improve youth access to employment opportunities in the craft and creative sectors by developing relevant, market-oriented skills.

Modernise Crafts

Preserve traditional craftsmanship while introducing innovative approaches that respond to current economic and technological challenges.

Foster Entrepreneurship

Support young people in creating their own businesses and developing entrepreneurial thinking within the craft sector.

Digital Integration

Promote the use of digital tools and technologies to modernise craft practices and increase competitiveness.

Scalable Training Model

Develop a flexible apprenticeship model that can be adapted and implemented across different European contexts.

Erasmus+ Priorities

Supporting key European priorities in education, skills and social impact

CraftWise contributes directly to the main priorities of the Erasmus+ programme by promoting skills development, social inclusion and stronger connections between education and the labour market.

The project supports a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable approach to vocational education and training across Europe.

Youth Empowerment

Supporting young people to develop skills, confidence and initiative through entrepreneurship and active participation in the craft sector.

Vocational Education and Training Alignment

Bridging the gap between education and the labour market by connecting training with real industry needs and professional practice.

Common Values

Promoting inclusion, sustainability and civic engagement through collaborative and community-based learning.

CraftWise contributes to the European agenda by strengthening skills, promoting innovation and supporting sustainable growth in the craft sector.

C-Skills Report

Understanding skills gaps and future opportunities in the European craft sector

The European craft sector is changing. Traditional craft skills need to be preserved, while new skills are becoming increasingly important. These include digital skills, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The C-Skills Report presents an analysis of the current situation of the craft sector in Europe. It identifies the main challenges, current trends and the skills that will be needed in the future.

Coming soon in these languages:

Download the full report

By addressing these challenges, the C-Skills Report lays the foundation for a more resilient, innovative and competitive craft ecosystem. It helps define new learning pathways that better align training with real industry needs and future opportunities.

Collaborative Apprenticeship Programme (CAP)

A new model for learning, collaboration and innovation in the craft sector

The Collaborative Apprenticeship Programme (CAP) is the core outcome of the CraftWise project.

It is an innovative training model designed to connect young learners with craft professionals through hands-on experience, real collaboration and practical learning.

The programme combines traditional craftsmanship with digital tools and entrepreneurial skills, creating a modern approach to apprenticeship in Europe.

Programme Structure

The CAP is organised into four key learning modules

Module 1:

Theoretical Knowledge

Introduction to the craft sector, its cultural value and its role in today’s economy.

Learning objectives

Understand the importance of cultural heritage
Analyse the context of the craft secto

Coming soon in these languages:

Module 2:

Technical Skills

Development of practical craft skills specific to each discipline.

Learning objectives

Acquire hands-on technical skills
Apply traditional techniques in modern contexts

Coming soon in these languages:

Module 3:

Digital Tools

Integration of digital technologies into craft processes.

Learning objectives

Use digital tools (CAD, social media, e-commerce)
Apply innovation in design and production

Coming soon in these languages:

Module 4:

Business & Entrepreneurship

Development of business ideas within the craft sector.

Learning objectives

Create business models
Apply marketing and commercial strategies

Coming soon in these languages:

From research to practice

The Collaborative Apprenticeship Programme (CAP) is based on the results of the C-Skills Report. The report provides a clear overview of the current situation of the European craft sector, identifying its main challenges, skills needs and opportunities for future development. This ensures that the programme is based on real evidence and responds to the needs of the sector.

As a result, the learning content is relevant, practical and directly connected to the realities of the craft sector. It supports learners in developing the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to current changes and future developments, while also responding to the needs of the European labour market.

News & Stories

Follow the latest updates, activities and insights from the CraftWise project

Follow the latest developments of the CraftWise project and learn about the activities carried out across Europe.

This section includes project news, events, meetings, workshops and other activities organised by the project partners. It also presents project achievements, collaboration between organisations, artisans and young people, and the progress made throughout the project.

Here you can find updates on pilot activities, project results and important milestones, as well as information about upcoming events and dissemination activities. This section provides a clear overview of how CraftWise is supporting innovation, skills development and cooperation in the European craft sector.