On March 25–26, 2026, partners of the Auto-CoVE 2.0 – Greening Europe with support of clean-tech-vehicle education project gathered in Ventspils, Latvia for the 6th Transnational Steering Committee Meeting, hosted by Ventspils Tehnikums. The meeting brought together representatives from partner organisations across Europe to review project progress, exchange experiences, and plan the next stages of implementation.
The event welcomed partners from Finland, Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Türkiye, and Latvia, reflecting the strong international cooperation that drives the project forward.
Strengthening Collaboration and Monitoring Progress
The first day of the meeting focused on project management, implementation progress, and educational development. Key discussions included:
- Overview of the 6th amendment preparation and periodic reporting (WP1)
- Progress on innovative study modules and training courses (WP3)
- Updates on teacher training activities (WP4)
- Review of mobility activities and future plans (WP5)
- Assessment and emphasis of the quality report and progress (WP6)
- Presentation of dissemination activities and communication strategy (WP7)
A strong emphasis was placed on aligning project outputs with real labour market needs and ensuring high-quality implementation across all partner countries. Participants also had the opportunity to explore practical examples of piloting activities, including experiences from Riga Technical University and Ventspils Tehnikums, highlighting how newly developed modules are being integrated into both VET and higher education environments.
Participants also had the opportunity to explore practical examples of piloting activities from Riga Technical University and Ventspils Tehnikums, demonstrating how newly developed modules are being integrated into both VET and higher education environments. At Riga Technical University, the piloting experience was presented by Ph.D. Artūrs Bogdanovs (presentation file available for download here), who showcased the successful integration of the Battery Technology & Systems module into automotive engineering studies, confirming its relevance for modern e-mobility education.
An important highlight of the meeting was the student internship experience presentation, where students Kristers and Renārs from Ventspils Tehnikums shared insights from their mobility in Finland. This provided valuable feedback on how international placements contribute to developing practical skills in clean-tech vehicle education.
Additionally, partners from Omnia and VTT demonstrated real-life collaboration examples, including ADAS-related training and development processes, showcasing how cooperation between education providers and research institutions strengthens the quality of learning content.
Exploring Ventspils Tehnikums and Local Environment
Participants were introduced to the facilities of Ventspils Tehnikums, including a guided tour of workshops and learning environments. The visit highlighted the institution’s strong capacity to deliver modern, practice-based vocational education aligned with industry needs.
On the second day, the programme extended beyond the classroom, offering participants a broader view of the regional ecosystem. Activities included:
- A city tour of Ventspils
- A visit to Bucher Municipal, an international engineering company
- A visit to the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre, highlighting its historical heritage alongside state-of-the-art research infrastructure
These visits strengthened the connection between education, industry, and innovation, which lies at the core of the Auto-CoVE initiative.
The meeting also included a cultural programme, where participants attended a joint screening of the Latvian animated film FLOW at KINO RIO, one of the oldest cinemas in Europe. This experience provided a unique opportunity to engage with Latvian culture in an authentic and memorable setting. The official dinner further supported networking and informal discussions, reinforcing the strong partnership and collaborative spirit within the consortium.
The 6th transnational meeting marked another important milestone in the Auto-CoVE 2.0 project. It reinforced the partners’ shared commitment to:
- Developing innovative and future-oriented training content
- Strengthening international cooperation in vocational education
- Supporting the green transition in the automotive sector
With clear progress across work packages and strong collaboration between partners, the project continues to move forward in delivering impactful results for learners, educators, and industry stakeholders across Europe.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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Auto Cove 2.0
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📸 Vjačeslavs Malahovs
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