Addressing skills needs in the aerospace and defence sectors

Over the next two years, Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini will coordinate the European project Skills for Aerospace and Defence Community (Skills4ADC+), funded under the Erasmus+ programme with the aim of reinforcing Europe’s capacity to anticipate and respond to emerging skills needs in the aerospace and defence sectors.

The kick-off meeting of the project was held on 31 March 2026 in Rome and hosted by Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini. During the meeting, which brought together representatives from all partner organisations, partners aligned their views on the project's objectives, work plan, and expected outcomes, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to address critical skills gaps across these strategic industries.

While the aerospace and defence sectors play a crucial role in Europe's security, technological sovereignty, and economic competitiveness, they are currently facing increasing challenges in attracting and retaining talent, particularly for highly technical and emerging roles. Skills4ADC+ seeks to tackle these issues by supporting the development of forward-looking, inclusive, and cross-sectoral upskilling and reskilling strategies.

The project leverages the experience and networks of 13 partners from 7 EU Member States (Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland and Spain), comprising industry leaders, SMEs, universities, vocational education and training (VET) providers, clusters, and social partners. All partners are members of the Pact for Skills, ensuring a solid foundation for cooperation and joint action.

By leveraging this diverse network, Skills4ADC+ aims to contribute to the creation of a resilient and future-proof industrial skills ecosystem in Europe, capable of adapting to rapid technological change and evolving labour market demands.

As coordinator of Skills4ADC+, Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini will support the effective implementation of the project and lead key work streams on project management and communication.

"By working closely with our partners, we aim to ensure strong coordination, maximise outreach, and contribute to building a sustainable impact across the aerospace and defence skills ecosystem" said Liga Baltina, Head of FGB’s Labour Market & Skills Research Unit, who will coordinate the project on behalf of FGB.

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