ASSETS+: training for defence

ASSETS+ aims to offer training programmes (from secondary school level through higher education) that correspond to the evolutions and challenges of Defence in the future, based on teaching methods that can be adapted and easily reproduced at the European level.
These programmes may take on the form of project-based learning, summer schools, challenges, e-learning or even services making it easier to network with the industrial sector.

The European Commission has stated two major goals for  Defence:

• maintain its position of leader, its competitiveness and its sustainability in the mid- and long-term
• identify the existing and future skills needs for the professions in the Defence industry, which is a major generator of technological innovation but which is struggling to attract young professionals.

Following the initial stage aimed at identifying and analysing technological evolutions, applications, key skills and job profiles, the consortium partners set about defining the programmes.
This phase focused both on content related to robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and cybersecurity, and on the most suitable teaching methods to be implemented.

The third project stage underway since June 2021 and coordinated by the University of Bordeaux, is focusing on the implementation of prototype programmes for an estimated 20-month duration.

Finally, the last phase will study the possibilities of replicating these programmes on a European scale as well as the certification modalities for the different professions. The consortium also has the role of developing a strategic plan for the skills required by the sector over the long term, beyond the Erasmus+ funding.