During one of this winter’s crispest yet sunniest mornings, we at Gothenburg Technical College had the privilege of welcoming and hosting our partners in VLF4EU for the project’s 12-month meeting. We gathered at one of our training facilities in Lindholmen – Battery Centre Gothenburg, which set a great scene for two very productive days.
Our program started with a warm welcome from our VP, Ewa Ekman, who spoke about the importance of cross-European collaboration to strengthen competencies and support lifelong learning. Being part of projects like VLF4EU, which aim to bridge skill gaps by combining Industry 5.0 thinking with cutting-edge training methods, to strengthen Europe’s industry in the digital and green transition, really highlights why this kind of collaboration matters.
As we’ve now reached one year into the project, the rest of the first day focused on updates from the different work packages, mixed with workshops and discussions. We talked about the VLF4EU Alliance, collaboration frameworks, and the competencies and skill gaps linked to Industry 5.0. We also explored use cases, the training modules we want to develop, and how we plan to implement virtual learning factories across Europe.
Having these on-site meetings really makes a difference. It allows us to get to know each other on another level, something that’s hard to achieve through online meetings alone. It opens up for better discussions, helps clear up misunderstandings, and creates space for real knowledge sharing. Since all partners come from different backgrounds and ways of working, these conversations help us understand each other better. In the end, our differences become our strengths, and that’s what helps us move forward more effectively.
The day concluded with a guided tour of Battery Centre Gothenburg, where we showcased the structure of our learning factory, the process behind its development, and its intended impact. As one of Europe’s most modern training facilities within industrial technology, electromobility, and sustainability, the centre was established to meet the growing demand for skills in battery technology, electrification, and sustainable production, bringing together industry, academia, and the public sector. Through state-of-the-art learning environments and close collaboration, it supports professionals, students, and companies in developing the competencies needed to drive the green and digital transition.
To wrap up the first day, we enjoyed a dinner at Sjömagasinet in the old part of town, Haga. Even though seafood wasn’t everyone’s first choice, we had a great time with lots of laughs and a really nice way to end the day.
The second day took place at our facility in Torslanda, right in the middle of the Volvo Cars production plant. Here, we focused on how to connect real-life techniques into a virtual environment and onto the platform we’re developing. We also discussed upcoming train-the-trainer events and our micro-credential courses.
One important takeaway from the day was that none of us alone have all the competencies needed to create the courses we’re aiming for. We need to involve more people, and honestly, that’s only a good thing. It helps increase knowledge sharing not just between partners, but also within our own organizations.
As the meeting came to an end, we talked about dissemination plans, next steps, and when we’ll meet again in person. Then, as always, came the slightly sad part, some of us heading home, while others stayed a bit longer to hop on the Volvo Cars “blue train” for a tour of the production, which was very appreciated.
Thus came the end of two insightful and intense days, and we leave with renewed energy, feeling inspired and excited for what lies ahead. We at Gothenburg Technical College look forward to welcoming you back again soon, and we truly thank you for your engagement, enthusiasm, and the time you spent with us. It was a pleasure having you here.
Theres Saad, Utbildare BCG (Battery Centre Gothenburg)