Bottom-Up Initiative for Learning and Development of Skills in Construction

ongoing

The BUILDS (Bottom-Up Initiative for Learning and Development of Skills in Construction) project aims to transform the way skills are developed and governed in the European construction sector by addressing the widening gap between labour market demands and the capacity of current training ecosystems. In a sector facing acute shortages of green and digital skills, low youth interest, and uneven regional governance, BUILDS offers a bottom-up, inclusive model to accelerate the twin transitions while ensuring no one is left behind. Through the establishment of Regional Pact for Skills Hubs across five European territories, the project empowers local stakeholders—SMEs, VET providers, regional authorities, and social partners—to jointly coordinate reskilling and upskilling strategies tailored to their specific challenges and priorities. These hubs serve as engines for regional cooperation and innovation, connecting central EU initiatives like the Pact for Skills with real-world implementation on the ground. BUILDS develops and deploys a data-driven Skills Intelligence Toolkit to forecast emerging skill needs and inform strategic workforce planning. It pilots modular, microcredential-based learning paths for three core target groups: low-skilled workers, employees needing to take on new tasks, and individuals transitioning from other sectors. These training portfolios are embedded in smart, interoperable credentialing systems that facilitate validation, recognition, and mobility across regions and industries. Through strategic policy engagement, digital dissemination, and a comprehensive transferability package, BUILDS ensures sustainable, system-level impact beyond the project lifecycle—bridging the skills gap in construction through inclusive, regional innovation and empowering Europe’s green and digital future.