🏭Digital Craftmanship
A professional training course for circular and sustainable artisans
What is this tool about and why is it relevant ?
Digital craftsmanship is a professional training course for adults aiming at equipping artisans with the skills needed to thrive in today's digital-centric job market. This tool is designed to bridge the skills gap, enhance employability and contribute to the green and digital transition at European level. In 4 to 6 months full time participants learn a range of practical digital skills for woodworking, tailoring and electronics, including 2 and 3D modelling softwares and machines operation. The training is hands-on, with a focus on real-world projects, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
This programme has been designed for unemployed individuals by the Geneva Pilot during CENTRINNO by establishing a strong partnership with the Regional office for unemployment that finance those kind of programmes to facilitate professional reinsertion promoting acquisition of new and competitive skills in the job market.
FCH as places to foster social inclusion through craftsmanship, culture and heritage
This program was designed and implemented by the Geneva team at the very beginning of the experimental process because digital manufacturing, innovative and sustainable economies are at the core of CENTRINNO and the Geneva FCH's objectives.
A tool to tackle local challenges and establish FCHs as learning ecosystems
Onl’fait is one of the partner of the Geneva FCH team , their primary mission lies in the realm of education and development. FCHs are conceived as innovative hubs for technological and innovative education, offering hands-on training to cultivate skilled labour and foster experiential learning. From an economic development perspective, FCHs represent the ideal fusion of technological innovation and social and sustainable impact. By integrating spaces such as Fab Labs and makerspaces they can facilitate the global application of locally conceived designs without compromising their essence. These two facets underscore the potential of integrating FCHs into local economies, generating new job opportunities and income within a burgeoning collaborative economy. Simultaneously, local partners such as the Office for Unemployed People sought innovative training formats tailored for craftsmen, aiming to support the green and digital transition in the Geneva area.
Main roles and resources to implement the program
The program requires a significant allocation of human resources due to the diverse range of competencies requested . At a minimum, you need to consider the following roles:
Program Coordinator: responsible for setting training objectives, program evaluation, and continuous improvements.
Trainers: One or two trainers for each competency domain. In Geneva case, this includes electronics, tailoring, and woodworking.
Administrative personnel: To manage administrative tasks such as payments and timesheets.
External consultants: We recommend collaborating with external experts on a one-time basis for specialised consultations.
Why this tool could be relevant (also) for your FCH ?
Vocational Training & FCH as Learning Ecosystem
Training craftsmen in digital tools significantly enhances FCHs (VTCs) as places for learning by transmitting innovative skill sets. The integration of digital tools into vocational training encourages craftsmen to embrace lifelong learning, aligning with the EU's emphasis on accelerating the green and digital transition. Craftsmen are likely to become more receptive to acquiring and adapting to new technologies and techniques over the course of their careers. Such training not only enriches craftsmen's skill sets but also equips them to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market, thereby fostering industry growth, innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness. Additionally, this kind of training based on peer to peer learning and and learning by doing methods foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and skill development. It connects artisans, vocational schools, designers, and technologists, promoting a dynamic environment where continuous learning, innovation, and adaptation thrive.
Circular Economy
Training craftsmen in digital tools promotes the circular economy and ecological sustainability of FCH and surrounding environments by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing waste. Tools such as computer-aided design (CAD) software empower craftsmen to craft precise designs and efficiently use materials, thus reducing waste during production. Craftsmen can dismantle and reassemble products, endorsing upcycling and recycling practices that align with circular economy principles. Products crafted with digital tools often boast longer lifespans and are more easily repairable, decreasing the necessity for replacements. Tailoring products to meet individual customer needs ensures prolonged use, curbing unnecessary disposal. Additionally, localized production facilitated by digital tools diminishes emissions associated with transportation. Craftsmen can explore eco-friendly materials and integrate sustainable design principles into their creations, fostering ecological sustainability. Artisans trained in digital tools and fabrication become environmentally conscious contributors to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Local Outcomes 👍
By implementing a vocational training program as the one described above the Geneva team was able to obtain the following achievements:
→ Craftsmen trained in digital tools may have more job opportunities and career advancement options in their field
→ Artisans who attended those courses are more adaptable to changes in their industry and stay employable.
→ As an overall impact, digital tools will enhance the quality and creativity of local manufacturing, while also saving costs, improving efficiency, and promoting sustainability.
→ The Office for unemployment tested a new path and became more aware of the benefits of digital manufacturing.
Organisational Practices
The design and implementation of this program contributed to the following changes in local organisational practices each of them may relate to some of the three foundational aspects of a FCH: Vision , Community and Infrastructure.
OP2. Access and connection to information, communities, projects and initiatives related to the local distributed creative and productive ecosystems
OP3. Embracing emergence of new needs, projects, and organisations through open and resilient structures amidst rapidly changing and hazardous environments
OP9. Create awareness around convivial forms of innovation, manufacturing capabilities, creative citizenship and social connections
→ Digital tools and programs can clearly support innovation and improve manufacturing capabilities. Craftsmen can engage in creative citizenship by participating in collaborative projects, contributing to the community, and sharing their knowledge and skills.
→ Digital tools and programs may improve quality and creativity, improve efficiency and scalability of a process and facilitate sharing and collaborative innovation.
Key Steps
Find here a list of suggested steps shared by the Geneva Team for you to follow if you want to set up a programme similar to this one :
Summary Table
| Characteristics | |
|---|---|
Difficulty | Difficult |
Duration | 4-6 months |
Facilitator I Participants | F= 1 every 5 participants at full time P= 3-5 |
Setting | Offline |
Contact | cristina@onlfait.ch |
Tagging System |
Do you want to know more?
Here some useful links that you can look at if you want to have more detailed information about these Vocational training offer:
Here are 3 different booklets that explains in details the training: objectives, competences, methodologies, calendar, resources.
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