How can the results of a European project continue creating value beyond its lifetime?

The CirCLER project has published its Blueprint for the Adoption of CirCLER Training across the EU, a practical guide designed to help education providers, companies, industry organisations and policymakers integrate circular economy competences into their training programmes and professional development strategies.

As European manufacturing industries accelerate their transition towards more sustainable and circular business models, developing the right skills has become increasingly important. The furniture sector, largely composed of SMEs, faces particular challenges in adapting to evolving environmental requirements, new production models and changing market expectations.

To address these challenges, CirCLER has developed an integrated training ecosystem centred on the Circular Economy Transition Manager (CETM), bringing together a competence framework, modular curriculum, multilingual learning resources, digital tools and guidance for recognising learning achievements.

From project results to practical adoption

The newly published Blueprint goes beyond presenting the project's achievements. It explains how different organisations can adopt, adapt and reuse CirCLER resources according to their specific needs.

Importantly, organisations do not need to implement the complete CETM training programme to benefit from CirCLER. They can integrate individual modules or learning pills into existing courses, use specific resources for company training or support self-directed learning.

From policy recommendations to long-term impact

Drawing on the lessons learned throughout the project, the Blueprint identifies eight policy action areas to support circular skills development across Europe. Among its main recommendations, it highlights the need to integrate circular economy competences into education and workforce development strategies, strengthen cooperation between vocational education, higher education and industry, and promote dual and work-based learning opportunities.

The report also emphasises the importance of flexible, modular learning and micro-credentials, improving SMEs' access to specialised training, and encouraging the reuse of publicly funded educational resources beyond individual projects. Its central message is clear: developing circular economy skills requires coordinated action between industry, education, research and public authorities.

To help turn these recommendations into practice, the Blueprint provides stakeholder-specific guidance, a step-by-step adoption pathway, direct access to key project resources and a practical checklist to help organisations assess their readiness to implement CirCLER training.

With this publication, CirCLER aims to extend the impact of its results beyond the project's lifetime, supporting the continued adoption of its training resources and methodologies and contributing to circular skills development across Europe.

📘 Explore the Blueprint for the Adoption of CirCLER Training across the EU: 

https://circler-furniture.eu/en/downloads