The Bootcamp combined presentations, teamwork, and practical activities, allowing participants to work on real challenges faced by the industry. Topics included extending the lifespan of textile products, reducing water and energy consumption in recycling, using sustainable and bio-based materials, eco-design, responsible sourcing and applying circular models across the fashion value chain.

Working in international teams, participants exchanged ideas and transformed sustainability challenges into concrete project concepts. A hands-on creative workshop allowed them to experiment with fabrics and textile offcuts, while the second day concluded with student project pitches presented to an expert jury. Among the ideas developed were circular solutions for sportswear, giving worn materials a second life and turning hotel textile waste into new resources.

Beyond skills development, the Bootcamp also strengthened cooperation among young people from different countries, creating new connections and demonstrating the important role that the next generation can play in driving the green transition of the TCLF sector.

Discover more about the SiT project and access the free e-learning platform:
https://platform.sitproject.eu/

Read the June 2026 SiT Newsletter below to discover more highlights from the Training Bootcamp.

The SiT Platform provides a digital space where professionals, businesses, educators and other stakeholders can connect, exchange knowledge, discover opportunities and access resources supporting the green transformation of the sector.

A key feature of the platform is its Best Practices section, which brings together innovative approaches, practical solutions and successful initiatives from across the TCLF ecosystem. The examples cover areas such as circular economy, sustainable production, responsible sourcing, textile recycling, skills development and other approaches contributing to the green transition.

By making these experiences accessible, the platform aims to inspire organisations and professionals, encourage the transfer of successful ideas and strengthen collaboration across the sector.

The SiT Platform also provides specialised e-learning opportunities through the Bio-Textile Technician Course (EQF Level 5) and the Textile Recycling Manager Course (EQF Level 6).

Explore the SiT Platform and discover the Best Practices:
https://platform.sitproject.eu/
https://platform.sitproject.eu/best-practices/

Read the August 2026 SiT Newsletter below to learn more about the latest project activities and resources.

Although AKMI primarily provides vocational education and training to adult learners, the organisation recognises that, through educational activities, internships, volunteering actions, partnerships with schools and agencies, and participation in European projects, staff members, students and associates may engage directly or indirectly with minors. For this reason, AKMI has updated and strengthened its Child Protection Policy to ensure that children are protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, discrimination or harm.

The updated policy sets out AKMI’s principles, procedures and responsibilities regarding child safeguarding. It provides guidance on appropriate conduct when working with children, safe recruitment and vetting procedures, complaints and grievance mechanisms, the role of the designated Child Protection Officer, abuse reporting procedures, and the monitoring and evaluation of safeguarding measures. It also includes practical annexes on the use of media and children’s images, interviewing children, awareness-raising, data protection and confidentiality, national helplines, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Through this updated policy, AKMI aims to ensure that all employees, students, partners, volunteers and external collaborators are aware of their responsibilities and are equipped to recognise, prevent and respond to potential safeguarding concerns. Particular emphasis is placed on prevention, transparency, confidentiality, timely reporting, cooperation with competent authorities, and the continuous improvement of safeguarding practices.

The publication of the updated Child Protection Policy reflects AKMI’s broader commitment to quality, accountability and ethical practice in education and training. It also supports the organisation’s participation in European and international initiatives, where the protection, dignity and meaningful participation of children and young people are essential priorities.

AKMI remains committed to promoting a culture of protection, respect and responsibility, ensuring that the rights and well-being of children are safeguarded across all relevant activities and collaborations.

The full updated Child Protection Policy is available below.

Exciting Update! Our Virtual Exchange Project Newsletter is Here!
 
Virtually Edu is a Virtual Exchange Project which aims to empower 2500 students across European Union State Members and Eastern Neighborhood Countries,  to foster digital proficiency and deepen cybersecurity understanding among them.

The FEA-VEE (Fashion Earth Alliance – Vocational Excellence and Enterprise) initiative has released its consolidated policy report, capturing four years of efforts across Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Romania, Spain, and Sweden. Funded by the European Union under Erasmus+, FEA-VEE has focused on bridging education and industry, promoting sustainability, and strengthening green entrepreneurship in the fashion and textile sectors.

Highlights

• Connecting Education & Industry: International study visits, internships, and training materials helped students and young professionals gain practical skills in sustainable fashion, circular economy practices, and digital tools.
• Building Networks: Cross-sectoral collaboration between designers, educators, businesses, and civil society was fostered, creating lasting professional networks.
• Driving Policy & Curriculum Change: Evidence-based insights are guiding curriculum updates, VET reforms, and future EU-level policies in circular textiles and green innovation.
• Supporting Green Entrepreneurship: The initiative enhanced understanding of EU regulations and sustainable business models, enabling emerging brands to navigate the green transition.

Next Steps

FEA-VEE lays the foundation for continuing and scaling results: embedding sustainable and digital skills into vocational training, formalizing professional networks, and creating long-term infrastructure for sustainable fashion education and innovation.

For those interested in the previous policy insights, all three reports are available here: FEA-VEE Learning Center.

At its core, the project promotes a modern training framework that supports VET learners, institutions, and educators. It aims to enhance employability by fostering collaboration between education providers and industry, developing innovative learning tools, and raising awareness about the importance of future-oriented skills. As highlighted on page 1, the project contributes to building more resilient, innovative, and sustainable economies in the region.

A key achievement is the development of the Twin Skills Strategy, which defines the essential competences for future labour markets. This strategy integrates digital skills—such as data management, AI, cybersecurity, and digital collaboration—with green skills focused on sustainability practices, resource management, and environmental responsibility. As shown on page 2, the project also brings together a diverse consortium of international partners to ensure knowledge exchange and best practices across regions.

Beyond technical expertise, the initiative emphasizes transversal skills like critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and adaptability, preparing young professionals to respond to complex, real-world challenges. Looking ahead, as outlined on page 3, VET4Youth will continue developing innovative training programmes and move forward with the creation of a dedicated curriculum aligned with European frameworks, supporting the transition toward a digital and sustainable economy.

In Croatia, participants explored sustainable fashion through creative workshops, including T-shirt redesign and crochet activities. Italy launched expert-led sessions in Padua focused on textile waste management, circular economy models, bio-based fibres, sustainable production, and regulation. In Spain, webinars brought together 103 participants to discuss circular economy practices, eco-design, textile waste management, the 3Rs, and the role of the social economy.

Together, these activities show how sustainable transformation in the textile, clothing, leather, and footwear sectors can become practical, collaborative, and creative.