NEWS - 2024/07/04

Development of Training Programmes in the Automotive and Mobility Sectors

The automotive and mobility sectors are undergoing a deep evolution. Structural shifts, driven by stricter emission regulations, decarbonization efforts, sustainable mobility concepts, connectivity, and digitalization, are reshaping the industry. These changes significantly impact the workforce across the entire value chain, requiring new skill sets and ongoing adaptation to align with industry advancements and standards.

To address these challenges, through an agreement signed between the Consortium of Professional Automotive Training (CFPA) and the CIT-UPC Foundation, with the contribution of the Agency for Business Competitiveness (ACCIÓ) and the support from the Generalitat de Catalunya, CARNET has developed during the first half of 2024 a set of advanced training programmes for professionals (levels 4 and 5 of the national professional qualifications, and education levels 6 and 7 in the EQF (European Qualifications Framework) of short duration (80 to 200 hours)). These programmes aim to upskill and reskill the workforce, incorporating innovation within companies by aligning training with the evolving needs of the industry.

Analysis of Training Needs in Automotive and Mobility

To maintain the quality of the developed courses, an exhaustive exploration of existing courses and training catalogues has been conducted, focusing on the needs within Catalonia and Spain. This analysis validates labour market trends and job offers, ensuring that the training programmes address the actual demands of the industry. Additionally, a workshop was conducted and during the process, in which CARNET collaborated with over 30 experts from the sector and 15 Catalan organizations.

Thematic Axes of Content

Experts from higher education institutions have designed the content and competencies of each programme, adhering to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The following seven specialties are requested for inclusion in the SOC/SEPE (Public Employment Service of Catalonia and State Public Employment Service) specialties catalogue:

        1. Management and Design in Automotive Electronics Diagnosis and Maintenance
        2. Product Optimization with CAD-CAE for the Automotive Sector
        3. Predictive Maintenance and Quality Control for Automotive
        4. ‘Zero-Impact’ Manufacturing: The Future of Sustainable Automotive
        5. Energy Networks and Urban Charging Points
        6. Propulsion and Storage Systems in Electric Vehicles: Materials and Design
        7. Manufacturing Processes for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

These programmes can be grouped into five main thematic axes:

        1. Autonomous and Connected Vehicle
        2. Electrification
        3. Data and Functional Security
        4. Cities and Mobility
        5. Smart Manufacturing

Project Background

As highlighted in the OECD’s Education at a Glance 2022 report, Spain has a low but increasing level of lifelong learning. Addressing the evolution of skills in the automotive and mobility fields is crucial to close the existing knowledge gap. By introducing targeted courses, CARNET aims to equip the next generation of professionals with the skills needed to navigate the emerging jobs landscape.

Through a previous collaboration, CARNET had already identified various needs and developed eight courses in 2021, which were developed jointly with various universities, the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the CIAC (Clúster de la Indústria d’Automoció de Catalunya). These included topics like Autonomous Vehicles, Connected Vehicles, Electric Vehicles, Mobility and Cybersecurity, Advanced Materials for Vehicles, Intelligent Mobility, Intelligent Factory for Vehicles, and Robotics and Process Automation for Vehicles. For a more detailed information and requirements of these previously developed courses: https://www.aqu.cat/Coneix-AQU/Que-fem/Actualitat/noticies/Finalitzem-l-avaluacio-de-la-segona-convocatoria-dels-programes-de-curta-durada

By continuously updating training programmes to match industry needs, CARNET, plays a vital role in developing a competitive and prepared workforce, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the automotive and mobility sectors.