WENUS: new initiative to strengthen Vocational Education and Training in sustainable wood and timber construction

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) recently hosted the kick-off meeting for the WENUS project, held in Karlsruhe, Germany. WENUS is an Erasmus+ funded initiative designed to enhance Vocational Education and Training in the field of sustainable wood and timber construction by integrating circular economy principles and 3D printing technologies into educational curricula. The project aims to address the evolving demands for green and digital skills within the construction industry, while also promoting innovation, sustainability, and efficiency.

As part of the project, partners will develop a student-centred curriculum that incorporates circular economy practices into timber construction. This will be complemented by customised training materials, including practical exercises using 3D printing technology. Furthermore, an eLearning platform will be launched to broaden access to these educational resources, equipping learners with vital green and digital competencies, and supporting the sector’s transition towards more sustainable and innovative practices.

At the meeting, representatives from the project’s partner organisations – InnoRenew CoE, the Technology Centre of Furniture and Wood of the Region of Murcia, Globalnet, and KIT, which leads the initiative – presented their respective work packages and began collaborating on the project’s initial tasks.

The WENUS project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Commission, will span two years and has been awarded €250,000 in funding.