Launch of Construction Blueprint 2 project: Strengthening Skills and Competitiveness in the European Construction Sector

Section:

Competition

The Erasmus+ co-funded project involves a consortium of 20 European entities that will work over four years to improve skills and competitiveness in the sector.

FIEC (European Construction Industry Federation), EFBWW (European Federation of Building and Woodworkers) and EBC (European Builders Confederation) are pleased to support the launch of the Construction Blueprint 2 project. This initiative, co-funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, aims to build upon the progress made in the first phase of Construction Blueprint [1], promoting training and qualification in the construction sector to address the challenges of the digital and green transitions across Europe.

The kick-off meeting, hosted by the project coordinator Fundación Laboral de la Construcción (FLC) on 11 and 12 February in Madrid, brought together representatives from the industry, trade unions, training providers from 12 EU Member States and the European Commission. All stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing workforce skills and attracting new talent to the construction industry. During the meeting, the project's main lines of work were established. Over four years, the initiative will focus on improving workers' skills in the sector, promoting new training methodologies, and fostering collaboration between businesses and training centres, in line with the principles of the Pact for Skills in Construction [2], a flagship initiative under the European Skills Agenda. Launched by the European Commission, the Pact aims to mobilise public and private actors to invest in workforce upskilling and reskilling, ensuring that the sector remains competitive and resilient. The construction sector has set ambitious targets, including upskilling and reskilling at least 30% of the workforce every year by 2030. By fostering collaboration between employers, trade unions, training providers, and policymakers, the Pact seeks to equip workers with the necessary competencies to meet the goals of Europe’s green and digital transitions. Construction Blueprint 2 will play a key role in supporting these objectives by developing practical training solutions and policy recommendations that benefit companies and workers alike.

Building on the success of the Construction Blueprint (2019-2023), this second phase aims to modernise training methodologies, anticipate emerging skills needs, and facilitate collaboration between businesses and education providers. The project will deliver key outputs such as:

A roadmap on measures to update the skills of professionals in the sector, aligned with the principles of the Pact for Skills in Construction.
A ‘Skills Observatory’ for the anticipation of skills needs, both technical and cross-cutting.
Curricula and training programmes (including training content) for emerging skill needs in vocational and higher education.
CVET training actions to address urgent skills needs for current construction workers.
Funding sources to ensure the project results continue at European, national, and regional levels.

FIEC, EFBWW and EBC strongly support the Construction Blueprint 2 project as a crucial tool for strengthening the European construction workforce. By developing and promoting high-quality training, the initiative will contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative construction sector. European stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the project and its expected deliverables conceived to help build a workforce fit for the future.

Sign Pact for Skills in Construction [3]

FIEC (European Construction Industry Federation) represents - via its 32 National member federations in 27 countries (24 EU, Norway, Switzerland & Ukraine) - construction enterprises of all sizes, i.e. small and medium-sized enterprises as well as “global players”, carrying out all forms of building and civil engineering activities. FIEC is also the officially recognised Social Partner, representing employers, in the EU sectoral Social Dialogue for Construction.

EFBWW - The European Federation of Building and Woodworkers represents the trade unions in construction, wood, forestry, and building materials in Europe.

EBC was established in 1990 as the European professional organisation representing national employer associations of construction micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and crafts. The European Builders Confederation is part of the employers’ delegation in the EU sectoral Social Dialogue for Construction. EBC is a member of SMEunited, the European association of SMEs, and founding partner of Small Business Standards (SBS), the European association representing SMEs in standardisation.