Transforming the vocational education and training (VET) landscape for the textile industry in Moldova and Ukraine.

DIKNIGA lab of University of West Attica (UNIWA) participates to “InnovaTex” project, which is a co-funded by the European Union project, bringing together 8 partners from 5 countries (Romania, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, Moldova). It is designed as a systemic intervention aimed at modernising the vocational education and training (VET) ecosystem for the textile sector in Moldova and Ukraine. It responds to identified skills gaps by integrating digitalisation, smart textile technologies, and sustainability principles into VET provision, with a specific focus on 3D smart fabrics for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and technical textiles.

The project’s core objective is to increase the relevance, quality, and labour-market alignment of VET programmes by enhancing the digital, smart, and green competences of learners, educators, and industry professionals. Through this approach, InnovaTex supports the transition towards a more technologically advanced, resource-efficient, and resilient textile industry in the partner countries, leveraging the expertise and best practices of EU higher education institutions (HEIs) and vocational training providers.

The whole process enables the development of innovative, competency-based VET curricula that enhance learners’ employability and practical skills, particularly in 3D design, smart materials, and sustainable PPE manufacturing. A central component of the project is its advanced e-learning platform, which functions as both a training delivery and collaboration tool, with interactive learning modules in 3D textile simulation, digital camouflage, textile performance testing, and smart PPE development. Another important output is the establishment of two Smart Labs, one in Moldova and one in Ukraine, equipped with advanced 3D scanning, modelling, and textile testing technologies. All the activities will be operate with a common target to strengthening cross-sectoral and transnational cooperation between VET providers, universities, and industry stakeholders across Europe and promoting sustainable textile production practices, with measurable reductions in material waste and environmental impact. Through these interventions, InnovaTex contributes to the long-term structural upgrading of the textile VET sector, supporting workforce development, industrial innovation, and sustainable growth in the partner regions (Moldova, Ukraine).