On the 14th April, 2021, the 22 members of the European Network of TCLF VET providers promoting
Excellence met virtually for the first time to exchange ideas and priorities for joint action. This initiative,
conducted within the framework of the Erasmus+ Skills4Smart TCLF industries 2030 Blueprint
(S4TCLF), brings together European Vocational and Training (VET) institutions to further strengthen
Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear (TCLF) skills provision in Europe through the implementation of
ambitious joint actions. In such a moment of crisis and global economic downturn, many TCLF SMEs
find it increasingly difficult to remain afloat, while unemployment rates are staggering, putting the
economic stability of many European regions at risk. Robust and agile TCLF VET systems can more than
ever make a difference on companies’ completeness and bolster the economic recovery from COVID-19
in many European industrial regions.
Decisions made today will shape the economic recovery
The TCLF industries have been hard-hit by the coronavirus crisis. Mobility restrictions and lockdowns,
and the consequent drastic decrease in consumption, have created a toll on European TCLF SMEs. In
addition to hampered growth, the crisis and the associated digital transformation and societal changes
will result in long-lasting changes in consumer demand and businesses models. These new patterns
require TCLF companies to grasp new opportunities, adjust and be prepared to remain competitive.
Sound digital and technological solutions for the design and production of more sustainable TCLF
products accompanied by the enhancement of craftsmanship will certainly help attract new consumers
and expand operations. Companies’ investments in the technical, digital and sustainability skills of their
workers are therefore crucial to turn challenges into opportunities. Because VET directly addresses the
urgent need to reskill and upskill, and because of its unique position as a bridge between education
and work, robust and agile TCLF VET systems will make a difference in current and future TCLF
workforce.
The key role of VET to bolster European regions’ economic recovery
VET is a catalyzer of innovation and applied research. It plays a decisive role in addressing demographic,
labour and technological changes. Robust and agile VET systems will make regional economic
structures more responsive to disruptions and uncertainty, boost TCLF companies’ growth and attract
better-qualified young talents. This is particularly the case in the TCLF sectors where geographical
concentration is high and where many companies operate in regional clusters. The members of
the Network of European TCLF VET providers promoting Excellence will work to make their respective
VET systems and institutions better prepared to respond to the latest companies and workers’ needs
by implementing concrete and targeted collaborative actions and engaging in dialogue with regional
authorities to fully integrate their voice into regional development strategies. For this objective to be
successfully achieved, the S4TCLF project partners are also working on engaging relevant public and
private stakeholders and act in a concerted and strategic way. Only a common and coordinated
approach to upskilling and reskilling that has all players on board will strengthen VET’s pivotal role in
economic competitiveness and crisis recovery.
Confédération Européenne de la Chaussure
European Footwear Confederation
Rue de la Science no14b- 1040 Bruxelles
Tel. +32.2.808.44.52- www.cec-footwearindustry.eu
With members from Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Spain and
Romania, the Network of European TCLF VET providers promoting Excellence will foster collaboration
between VET providers across Europe, implement concrete actions to strengthen VET, and reach out
to public authorities to make sure that the necessary investments are directed toward VET
modernisation. The role of VET in the economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis is decisive and
making the right decisions and investments today will ensure that TCLF companies remain drivers of
growth and development in European regions. Carmen Arias, Secretary General of the European
Footwear Confederation (CEC) concluded the meeting by stressing that “this was a great first step
towards greater collaboration and connectivity between our European TCLF VET community, and
promoting excellence in vocational training is critical for our industries’ productivity and innovation”,
and that CEC and the S4TCLF Blueprint consortium “will support all the participant’s aspirations to
continuously improve VET systems to better respond to TCLF industries”.
More information can be found on our S4TCLF project website and on our S4TCLF Twitter page
