A new initiative aimed at fostering vocational excellence and supporting the twin transition in European islands has received a €4 million boost under the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Programme Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE). The OVER-SEES project, led by Francisco Simões, researcher at the Centre for Psychological Research and Social Intervention (CIS-Iscte), is set to significantly impact vocational education and training (VET) across diverse EU insular regions.
The OVER-SEES: VET Excellence Leadership for the Twin Transition in European Islands project brings together a robust consortium of 17 beneficiaries and 14 associated partners from four key European insular territories: The Azores (Portugal), the West Region (Ireland), the Aegean Islands (Greece), and Sicily (Italy). The initiative, led by Iscte – University Institute of Lisbon, focuses on aligning vocational training with Smart Specialization (S3) strategies, ensuring high-quality skills development in sustainable agriculture, rural tourism, marine renewable energies, and digitalization.
With a vision for inclusive growth, OVER-SEES is built on four pillars:
People: Empowering young individuals under 35, particularly NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and other vulnerable groups, by addressing barriers to school-to-work transitions.
VET Providers: Enhancing the capacity of VET institutions to co-develop cutting-edge curricula tailored to regional priorities.
Businesses: Strengthening collaboration between SMEs, cooperatives, and startups with VET providers to align training with industry needs.
Governance: Introducing integrated governance frameworks to establish robust regional VET ecosystems.
The project's overarching ambition is to achieve VET excellence in European islands by expanding access to orientation and training for young people in S3 areas; co-creating and internationalizing S3-focused VET programs; building collaborative thematic groups to promote regional and transnational cooperation; and facilitating long-term partnerships between VET providers and businesses, driving job creation and economic growth.
By addressing the twin challenges of digital and green transitions, OVER-SEES supports key European policy priorities, including the European Green Deal, the Skills and Talent Mobility framework, and strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“This €4 million investment reflects the European Commission’s trust in OVER-SEES to not only transform vocational education but also act as a catalyst for innovation and inclusion in the labor market,” said Francisco Simões, the project’s coordinator. “The initiative illustrates how regional collaboration can lead to scalable, sustainable solutions for the challenges faced by European islands.”
The project’s international scope and focus on community-driven development highlight its potential to become a benchmark for advancing vocational excellence in similar regions worldwide.
A Proven Leader for Youth Development
This success builds on Francisco Simões’ remarkable track record in advancing youth-focused initiatives across Europe. In 2024, Simões was appointed coordinator of a high-profile European study on youth in rural areas, organized by the Council of Europe in collaboration with the European Union. The study analyzes policies and services impacting young people in rural regions across 20 countries, addressing critical issues such as education, employment, mobility, and social participation.
Part of the prestigious Pool of European Youth Researchers (PEYR), Simões has consistently contributed to the development of evidence-based policies that promote social and economic integration for young people, particularly those in rural areas.
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