CONTEXT The EU manufacturing sector accounts for 2 million companies and 33 million jobs; it is the source of 15% of EU GDP and 80% of exports. Digital Manufacturing (i.e. Industry 4.0) is a recent strategy at EU level to support innovation processes (Background Paper on "Digitising European Industry", 30 June 2015, European Commission, DG Connect). Highly qualified labour force remains a key source of future growth, and a particular focus is needed on the automotive sector (European Commission: Working Document, Restructuring in Europe, 2012, p.6). A key enabler for innovation is the competent use of advanced equipment for the 3D measurement and digitisation of parts, as needed for advanced product/process engineering and quality control in customer-supplier B2B interactions. Coordinate Metrology (including 3D digital measuring technologies) is by far the most important tool for these specialised activities. As widely reported, operators with their decisions are frequently the most relevant error sources in Coordinate Metrology operations, especially when dealing with new measuring technologies supporting Digital Manufacturing (e.g. Computed Tomography, Fringe-projection & Reverse Engineering). OBJECTIVESThe project aims at innovating VET in Coordinate Metrology in the context of Digital Manufacturing, supporting the needs of SMEs and VET providers in the supply chain of the automotive industry.The main target group are industry employees, in particular those operating in SMEs that are newcomers on 3D measuring technologies. Other target groups benefitting from the project are students and teachers at VET institutions in mechanical and mechatronics subjects with limited access to advanced 3D measuring equipment. CONSORTIUMThe consortium includes 6 partners from 5 Countries (DE, FR, IT, PT, CH) which well represent the EU manufacturing industry. The 4 HEIs have documented excellence in research and training in Coordinate Metrology and advanced manufacturing, appropriate infrastructure, strong links to industry and previous experience in EU VET projects, as well as expertise from different learning communities. Two Associations of stakeholders are included, both at national and EU level.Guidance for design and implementation will also be provided by two representatives of stakeholders enrolled as "critical friends" during the project. ACTIVITIES AND METHODOLOGYProject activities will be developed at two different levels, depending on their nature. The European level will be reference for activities related to the qualification framework and the development of new tools, as well as for the learning content to be developed. The National/local level, including translation activities, is required to implement and test project outputs in practice. Learning content will be developed with a learner-centred approach and using industrial case studies as reference, to motivate learners and let them understand the industrial relevance of the topic. Case studies will be developed throughout the learning material, to guide the learner in linking principles and methods to applications. Activities include extensive pilot courses for integrated testing, optimization and assessment of new tools, content and learning outcomes.RESULTSMain results are: a) a EU framework for the qualification of personnel in Coordinate Metrology to support the digitisation of Manufacturing, as a bottom-up contribution to the implementation of the ECVET; b) a set of tools to modernize the learning experience, including: 1. innovative content development and distribution, adapting to individual preferences and featuring modern tutor-learners interaction by social networks; 2. interactive tools to assess individual learning needs, identify customised learning paths and consequently assess learning outcomes; 3. active participation of learners in distance laboratory workshops using in real-time expensive measuring equipment, bridging the worlds of education and work; c) new high quality learning content on innovative measuring technologies (including: Computed Tomography, Fringe-projection & Reverse Engineering) in 5 languages; enriched and updated content from a previous EU VET project, including translation in additional languages (Italian and French).IMPACT - global access to high quality training materials in 5 languages in a EU qualification framework, to learn 3D digital measuring technologies mostly “made in Europe”- increased leading role of EU in Coordinate Metrology and Digital Manufacturing- reduction of quality issues, especially at SMEs automotive suppliers - faster introduction of digital technologies LONGER TERM BENEFITS- improved quality of life (less noise and vibrations due to better control of form)- more reliable products (understanding part functionality)- more efficient products (thanks to complex and freeform shaped parts)- environmental benefits (reduction of scrap during production)