The ACE-EX project creates a new figure of the Circular Economy Expert in the agricultural and industrial sectors, a professional with multidisciplinary training to guide agricultural and industrial enterprises towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The project is also dedicated to developing innovative tools to ensure the quality of the training, its recognition and transferability, guaranteeing a practical use of the knowledge in all EU contexts.
ACE-EX has a prestigious partnership of 20 organisations, representing 9 European countries and over 200,000 companies.
GENERAL OBJETIVES
The overall objective of ACE-EX is to support the transition of the agricultural and industrial sectors towards Circular Economy practices, aligning with the European Green Deal guidelines for sustainable growth and actively contributing to the fight against climate change. It aims to support the agricultural and industrial sectors in the transition towards a Circular Economy and to facilitate the transition to ‘green’ chemistry by utilising and valorising agricultural waste, refuse and by-products. The project promotes high-quality, interactive, multidisciplinary training that encourages an innovative, sustainable, smart entrepreneurial mindset. It supports learners in developing skills, including digital, that are easily applicable in different sectors and thus represent a valuable asset in their professional careers.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
- The project aims to raise the qualification level of professionals working in agriculture and industry, especially those producing oil, wine and cereals, through advanced training on using production waste or surpluses to generate new commercial products or innovate business operating procedures. This will be accomplished through an innovative and interdisciplinary training program that includes virtual reality-based training modules.
- ACE-EX envisages the creation of an open access and flexible learning pathway, offering the possibility of obtaining EQF level 4 and 5 certifications. The training opportunity will be available online for professionals residing in at least nine countries within and outside the European Union. The programme ensures continuity and up-to-date study materials and aims to extend its scope up to EQF-6 level (equivalent to a Professional Degree). In addition, the course aims to develop interdisciplinary digital and environmental skills that are transferable and applicable in various professional contexts.
- Apply a methodology that enables professionals to recognise previously acquired competencies, ensuring a link with national accreditation bodies.
- To certify professionals who specialise in applying Circular Economy principles in the agricultural and industrial sectors, enhancing professional skills that not only increase the employment prospects of individuals but are also particularly profitable for companies. In particular, it is for companies operating in the wine, oil, cereal, cosmetics, and agro-industrial recycling industries, allowing them to apply and benefit from Circular Economy practices.
BENEFICIARIES
DIRECT TARGET
- Students/young people not studying and not working (NEET)
- Agricultural/industrial professional workers
- Entrepreneurs/apprentices and skilled workers
INDIRECT TARGET
- Trade associations
- Public institutions
- Schools and training centres
- Civil society stakeholders
- Society