Designing Innovative Learning Scenarios in Vocational Education for Additive Manufacturing: the Amte@Ch Project

Europe is facing significant challenges in education, particularly within the rapidly evolving field of Additive Manufacturing (AM). As industries increasingly demand skilled professionals to adopt this technology, it becomes crucial to tackle these educational challenges through forward-thinking strategies across borders. Addressing this gap will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of technological innovation and is able to meet the growing demands of the AM sector, which is expected to revolutionize manufacturing processes across industries. In response to this urgent need, a consortium of six European organizations has proposed the AMTE@CH project. This innovative project aims to combine Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) about hands-on tools and Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, creating a well-rounded training course tailored to the needs of Additive Manufacturing. By integrating both theoretical and practical learning modules, the project seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications, offering a comprehensive learning experience. This paper delves into the design phase of the AMTE@CH project, showcasing the creative and engaging learning scenarios carefully crafted for diverse groups of trainees. Each scenario is designed to cater to varying skill levels and backgrounds, ensuring all participants have the necessary knowledge and practical skills. The MOOC has been validated in a pilot phase involving 30 trainers who assessed its effectiveness. Their feedback sheds light on the strengths of this training approach and areas for improvement, ultimately informing future iterations of the program and contributing to the advancement of education in Additive Manufacturing across Europe. The AMTE@CH project fosters collaboration among institutions in different European countries, enabling knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also creates a network of professionals equipped to meet the future demands of the AM industry. By bridging the skills gap, the project aims to support the growth of a competitive workforce in Europe through technological innovation, ensuring long-term success and sustainability in the sector. Moreover, it supports the alignment of educational programs with the evolving needs of the global market, preparing learners for the challenges of tomorrow's economy.