It’s a European initiative, founded by the EU, designed to strengthen collaboration between higher education providers, VET institutions, and the boatbuilding industry.
The project aims to identify emerging skills needs, address existing skills gaps, and promote long-term cooperation across the sector. By focusing on vocational education and training in sustainable materials for boatbuilding, TEcoNaut supports the industry’s transition to innovative, environmentally responsible technologies. More specifically, the TEcoNaut project aims to achieve its main objective through:
- Conducting an in-depth “skills gaps” identification phase, the results of which will be connected to ESCO and will make use of the new EU Green Taxonomy.
- The development of a Deep Tech materials course for VET, focusing on the use and application of Deep Tech materials, together with a Train the Trainers programme.
- Awakening an entrepreneurial mindset among students and future workers in the “eco” nautical sector, enabling them to see future business opportunities in the use of eco-friendly materials and the circularity of boat-building materials, while developing their toughness skills.
- Designing a traineeship programme for HE students with hands-on approaches, allowing them to work on the application of Deep Tech skills within companies.
The course is already available on our website ww.teconaut.eu in seven languages (English, French, German, Greek, Polish, Spanish, Turkish). It provides participants with a detailed understanding of circular economy principles, eco-friendly materials, and innovative manufacturing techniques for boat building. It focuses on improving environmental performance and durability while preparing participants to lead the use of eco-friendly, effective maritime solutions backed by a strong business case.
The course structure consists of five (5) units. Learners will be trained across the following:
- Introduction to sustainability in boat building.
- Sustainable materials, properties and performance.
- Application techniques in manufacturing and repair work.
- Life Cycle Assessment & Business Case.
- Career planning, opportunities, and challenges.
We have also already uploaded the trainer’s handbook, prepared as a practical reference tool for trainers. It is intended to complement the TEcoNaut Course: “Sustainable materials in the boat-building sector”. It provides guidance, recommended practices, and structured resources to support effective delivery of the learning modules and to help trainers achieve defined learning outcomes.
The highly necessary Deep Tech green wave in boat building can only be successfully developed through cooperation between Higher Education institutions researching deep-tech materials, companies building boats in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way using these materials, and VET centres providing qualified staff.
Explore hands-on learning, innovative manufacturing techniques, and a strong business case for the circular economy in boatbuilding. Plus, check out our comprehensive trainer’s handbook, designed to support effective teaching and learning outcomes.
Learn more visiting our “Course” section and join us on this journey!
