The Campus of Igualada of the University of Lleida hosted the second European workshop of the METASKILLS4TCLF project from 27 to 29 January, bringing together educators, researchers and industry representatives from across Europe to strengthen digital and sustainability-related skills in the textile, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) sectors.
Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the METASKILLS4TCLF project aims to support the green and digital transitions of these industries by developing innovative training methodologies, immersive digital tools and micro-credentials aligned with the real needs of companies and education providers.
Over three intensive days, participants from leading technology centres, universities and sectoral organisations—including CTCP, CITEVE, Politecnico Calzaturiero, PIN–University of Florence, PFI Pirmasens, FILK Freiberg, ITECH Lyon, the University of Lleida and the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Ia?i, as well as vocational training authorities and industry associations—worked collaboratively at the Igualada campus to exchange experiences and co-create educational resources.
Three days focused on sustainability, circularity and immersive learning
The first day addressed sustainability in the fashion industry and environmental impact assessment. Masterclasses on sustainability and carbon footprint fundamentals were combined with interactive exercises, including the testing of METASKILLS virtual reality tools and preparatory digital content. Participants also took part in group work to design educational activities related to environmental metrics.
The second day focused on the integration of digital technologies into teaching practices and on strategies to reduce environmental impacts in the textile and leather sectors. Sessions included demonstrations of virtual reality applications for training, familiarisation with non-immersive digital learning content and hands-on modules on circular economy and waste reduction, highlighting the importance of equipping educators with practical and transferable tools for both higher education and vocational training.
The final day was dedicated to collaborative development and concrete project outcomes. Through interactive group activities, partners advanced the design of micro-credentials and lesson plans and consolidated the creation of a European toolkit for higher education and VET teachers, gathering methodologies, digital resources and training materials on sustainability and digitalisation. The workshop concluded with a wrap-up session reviewing key learnings, collecting feedback and defining next steps, followed by a technical visit to the Igualada tannery wastewater treatment plant (IDR), showcasing best practices in industrial environmental management.
Strengthening Igualada’s role as a hub for sustainable leather innovation
Hosting the workshop at the Campus of Igualada reinforced the region’s position as a European reference point for innovation, education and sustainability in the leather sector. The local organisation, led by the University of Lleida, provided an ideal environment for cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange among regions facing shared challenges, such as reducing environmental footprints, digitalising production processes and upskilling the future workforce.
The meeting played a key role in validating training content, gathering feedback from teachers involved in the piloting phase and moving forward with the deployment of learning materials that will be tested in partner institutions across Europe in the coming months.
Press Realease
Publication date: 2026-02-04