AILEEN project : skills shortage in the Aerospace and Defence

The AILEEN project seeks to address the skills shortage in the Aerospace and Defence (A&D) sector by establishing Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) across seven European countries. These centres will focus on advanced manufacturing areas like welding, brazing, additive manufacturing, and inspection technologies. The CoVEs will form a network of educational, research, and industrial organizations, fostering collaboration to meet industry skill needs.

Key objectives include specialized training, maintaining high-quality education, promoting flexible practices, and ongoing cooperation with A&D companies. The plan outlines creating a sustainable framework for CoVEs, with milestones such as defining training frameworks, continuous identification of best practices, and a recognition process for CoVEs.

The CoVEs must involve collaboration between training organizations, research centers, and industry partners, ensuring alignment with industry needs. Initial implementation covers eight CoVEs in Belgium, the UK, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Denmark, and Portugal, with further expansion plans. The project aims to support innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the A&D industry.

Read the full report Strategic Plan for Advanced manufacturing Aerospace & Defence CoVEs