The partners of the Platform of Vocational Excellence Water (PoVE Water) gathered at Mendel University in Brno, Czechia, for the project’s final meeting, marking an important moment to reflect on achievements, share insights, and look ahead to future cooperation.
The meeting in Brno highlighted the importance of coordinated action, innovation, and long-term commitment in addressing water-related challenges. Throughout the event, partners exchanged ideas, shared expertise, and demonstrated a strong collective willingness to pursue effective and sustainable solutions for the sector.
A strong spirit of collaboration defined the meeting. Partners supported one another, explored new perspectives, and combined their diverse knowledge to develop innovative approaches together. Reflection and dialogue were encouraged throughout, with discussions also focusing on future opportunities for growth and cooperation.
As part of the programme, participants visited Brno Dam and explored a local cave, connecting their theoretical understanding of water management with real-life environments. These study visits provided valuable practical context, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation of the water-related challenges the project seeks to address.
During the lifetime of the project, more innovative educational resources were developed than originally expected. Interdisciplinary project work, practical learning experiences, and digital innovation all contributed to stronger partnerships and to the creation of sustainable tools that will continue to be used beyond the project’s duration. Educators also benefited from professional development opportunities and meaningful learning experiences.
PoVE Water has shown how cross-border cooperation can transform education, inspire learners, and respond to real-world challenges in water and environmental management. By bringing together expertise, creativity, and a shared vision, the project has made a strong contribution to vocational excellence in the water sector.
The meeting also highlighted the project’s continued progress in promoting vocational excellence through a regionally driven, bottom-up approach. By establishing and supporting regional Centres of Vocational Excellence for Water (CoVEs Water), PoVE Water is strengthening the links between education and training providers, industry stakeholders, and local communities. These centres respond to specific regional needs while contributing to a broader European effort to improve skills development and innovation in the sector.
An important discussion point during the meeting was the presentation of PoVE Water’s learning materials, which play a central role in equipping current and future professionals with the competencies needed by the industry. The project has focused on designing flexible, targeted, and responsive modular vocational education and training programmes that address rapidly evolving sectoral demands. These programmes emphasise real-life, challenge-based learning, helping learners build hands-on experience and practical problem-solving skills.
The meeting also addressed progress within the “Water Sector Recruitment, Retention, and Reputation” work package. This area of work aims to make careers in the water sector more attractive, support talent development, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the workforce. By focusing on these priorities, PoVE Water is helping to build a more visible, appealing, and resilient professional landscape for the sector.
An afternoon workshop invited participants to reflect on shared priorities and future actions, encouraging collaboration and collective ownership of the project’s next steps.
A particularly meaningful moment came on the final day, when all partners signed the PoVE Water Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to continuing efforts to strengthen and improve the water sector.
Thanks to these ongoing efforts, PoVE Water is playing an important role in developing a skilled, adaptable, and forward-looking workforce for the water sector.
For more information, visit the PoVE Water website.
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