At the meeting of the DiSTT project partners in Vienna, a set of common principles was formulated for the development of upskilling and reskilling programmes. The programmes should respond to current labour market needs, be developed collaboratively by multiple partners and, wherever possible, involve experts from companies, schools and non-governmental organisations. They should be based on project-based, hands-on learning focused on solving real-world problems, using FabLab methods and equipment, and combining different disciplines and technologies.
Preference should be given to open-source or freeware tools, while the educational materials produced and the participants’ results should be shared under open licences whenever possible.
The programmes should be simple, inclusive, easily accessible and focused on tangible outcomes. At the same time, they should encourage teamwork, creativity and the development of individual solutions. Emphasis should also be placed on practical usability, clear and attractive design, and the possibility of continuous updates. The resulting educational model should therefore be sufficiently general and flexible to allow long-term adaptation to technological developments, user requirements and the changing needs of the labour market.