Europe faces a dual challenge: reskilling its workforce and fostering lifelong learning to adapt to the green and digital transitions. The COOPSKILLS project, funded under Erasmus+, offers a blueprint for tackling both, connecting UNESCO’s Learning Cities network with the concept of Learning Companies.
Learning Cities—an initiative by UNESCO—are communities that embrace inclusive education, promote lifelong learning, and connect local stakeholders to foster economic and social development. COOPSKILLS leverages the Learning Cities model by involving municipalities like Thermi (Greece) and Kaunas (Lithuania) to mobilize local resources and expertise. These municipalities act as hubs for inclusive learning, ensuring that even the most vulnerable groups can benefit.
COOPSKILLS takes this a step further by introducing the concept of Learning Companies— workplaces that become engines of continuous learning. These companies integrate training and upskilling into their operations, using modern methods like gamification to engage workers and align skills development with real-world needs. By fostering partnerships between municipalities, companies, and VET providers, Learning Companies help bridge the gap between public policy and private sector needs.
The heart of the COOPSKILLS approach is collaboration. Municipalities bring local knowledge and networks; companies provide insights into emerging skills demands; and VET providers contribute expertise in adult education. Together, they establish Reskilling Labs—dynamic spaces for training and experimentation that empower workers transitioning from declining sectors to growth industries like renewable energy and digital technologies.
What makes COOPSKILLS innovative is its European and international dimension. By aligning with UNESCO’s Learning Cities and involving partners across multiple countries, the project aims to create an international network of Learning Companies that exchange best practices and inspire a European trend towards lifelong learning in the workplace.
In an era of rapid change, COOPSKILLS shows that reskilling isn’t just a policy goal — it’s a community-wide responsibility. By connecting Learning Cities with Learning Companies, the project builds bridges between community and business, ensuring that Europe’s workforce is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
COOPSKILLS stands as a model for integrating lifelong learning into business strategy and local development—empowering workers, companies, and communities alike.
