On 8–10 October 2025, the H2VE project (Hydrogen Valley Vocational Excellence Hub) was showcased at the Community of Practice on Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoP CoVEs) Forum in Kolding, Denmark. The Forum is recognised as the EU’s flagship event on Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), bringing together universities, research organisations, businesses, and policymakers from across Europe and beyond.
This year’s edition focused on the future of Vocational Education and Training (VET), with an emphasis on excellence, competitiveness, and the role of CoVEs in addressing the green and digital transitions. Special insights were offered on the Danish model of VET, which has become a reference point for aligning education systems with labour market needs.
Showcasing H2VE
At the Forum, the Cluster of Bioeconomy and Environment of Western Macedonia (CluBE) presented H2VE’s mission and activities, emphasising how the project:
- develops a hub of hydrogen-related CoVEs,
- integrates education, training, and applied research, and
- equips the workforce with hydrogen-related skills to support Europe’s clean energy transition.
The presentation highlighted how H2VE contributes to building a skills ecosystem for hydrogen valleys, ensuring that vocational education directly supports regional development and sustainable energy systems.
Workshop Contribution
As part of the programme, CluBE co-hosted the interactive workshop “The Workforce of 2050: Empowering Vocational Training for a Changing World in Regions in Transition”. The session, organised in collaboration with the SEED and HABITABLE CoVE projects, explored the skills and competencies needed to prepare professionals for the challenges of a changing economy and society.
Hands-On Learning and Exchange
In addition to workshops, participants engaged in study visits, hands-on sessions, and peer exchanges, exploring practical examples of how vocational excellence is implemented in Denmark. These experiences provided valuable input for H2VE, offering concrete practices and innovative approaches that will strengthen the project’s educational and training activities.
Building Collaboration Across Europe
By participating in the CoP CoVEs Forum, H2VE reinforced its role as a bridge between research, innovation, and vocational training. The project’s presence in Kolding demonstrated its commitment to knowledge sharing, collaboration, and skills development, ensuring that vocational education remains a cornerstone of Europe’s green and digital transformation.
