About the project

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Introduction

  • The SK Clean II Project equips the industrial cleaning sector with green skills to support sustainability and the circular economy.
  • Funded under the Horizon Europe program, the project targets workforce upskilling, social dialogue, and sustainable innovation.

Objectives:

  • Develop training programs for eco-friendly practices.
  • Promote collaboration among stakeholders to advance green skills adoption.
  • Address regulatory compliance and workforce transformation needs.

Relevance:

  • Aligns with the European Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and EU Skills Agenda.

Research Results

  • Ongoing research to make informed decisions: The study aims to understand the impact of the sustainability revolution on training requirements and skills in your field of activity. Your company has been selected to provide its perspective on the following aspects:

Identifying best practices in the industry regarding sustainability and green skills.

Developing a training framework for sustainable skills, tailored to the industrial cleaning sector at the European Union level.

Understanding the role of social partners in shaping these changes and facilitating social dialogue.

We understand your time is valuable, but your feedback will have a real impact. Your responses will guide us in creating a curriculum plan that will help companies adapt to new green requirements and ensure the continuous development of employees.

Moreover, we will ensure that every minute you dedicate to this initiative is valued, and we will use the information you provide with respect and confidentiality.

How to participate?

Please access the first link below for the online interview as the manager. Additionally, please forward the second link to another person in your company to complete the questionnaire.

Interview link: https://forms.gle/Q5zFXDHtdyRH5zFDA

Questionnaire link: https://forms.gle/SpmN8SiUrr6fpHdA7

  • Workforce Needs: High demand for practical training on energy efficiency, waste management, and eco-friendly product use.
  • Barriers: Cost of eco-friendly solutions and resistance to change.
  • Preferred Training Models: Combination of e-learning and in-field, hands-on sessions.

Impact of Green Skills:

  • Improved resource efficiency and waste reduction.
  • Enhanced employability and compliance with environmental standards.

Resources: Best Practice Guide and General Framework for Training Curriculum

Overview:

  • The Best Practice Guide offers strategies for integrating green skills into industrial cleaning operations.
  • The General Framework includes modular training programs and certification pathways.

News and Events

News Section:

SK-Clean II Project Launches to Support Green Transition in Industrial Cleaning

The SK-Clean II Project officially kicked off with a focus on equipping the industrial cleaning sector with green skills to meet the demands of sustainability and the circular economy. The initiative, supported by European Social Fund+, aims to develop a comprehensive framework for training and skilling workers while fostering social dialogue and promoting sustainable practices across Europe.

First Steering Group Meeting Sets the Stage for SK-Clean II Progres

The Steering Group convened for the first time, bringing together project leaders and associated partners to align goals and discuss initial research findings. Key topics included the identification of green skills and the creation of a Best Practices Guide. Participants emphasized the importance of collaborative action in addressing sustainability challenges within the sector.

Online Survey on Green Skills Launched

The SK-Clean II team launched an online survey aimed at collecting data on green skills and training needs across the industrial cleaning sector. Stakeholders from various EU countries are encouraged to participate to ensure comprehensive insights for the project’s upcoming Best Practices Guide and training curriculum framework.

First Results from Online Survey Reveal Key Training Gaps

Preliminary results from the SK-Clean II online survey highlight significant gaps in training for green skills within the industrial cleaning sector. The data underscores the need for structured vocational education and upskilling to meet the demands of sustainability. The findings will guide the development of targeted training programs.

Best Practices Guide and Training Framework Released

SK-Clean II reached a significant milestone with the publication of the Best Practices Guide and an indicative framework for a green skills training curriculum. These resources aim to support employers, workers, and policymakers in fostering sustainability within the industrial cleaning sector. Available in 15 EU languages, these materials ensure broad accessibility.

Final Conference Highlights SK-Clean II Achievements

The SK-Clean II Final Conference brought together stakeholders to celebrate the project’s accomplishments and discuss its long-term impact. Key highlights included the presentation of the Best Practices Guide, training curriculum framework, and strategic insights for sustaining the green transition in the industrial cleaning sector.

Newsletter

Press Release

Event Updates:

Summaries of past dissemination events, including key discussions and outcomes:

Summary of the SK CLEAN II Newsletter: Exchange and Dissemination Meetings

The SK CLEAN II Project organized a series of exchange and dissemination meetings, focusing on sustainability and green skills development. These sessions fostered collaboration among experts and stakeholders, addressing challenges and innovative strategies for advancing the green transition.

  1. Training for the Future
    The first session explored best practices in green skills training, including e-learning and hands-on workshops. Emphasis was placed on tailoring programs to local contexts and aligning curricula with industry standards.
  2. Breaking Barriers
    The second session addressed financial and cultural challenges in adopting green practices. Solutions included leveraging grants, fostering partnerships, and emphasizing leadership’s role in cultural transformation.
  3. Partnerships for Progress
    The third session highlighted the importance of collaboration with trade unions, NGOs, and industry stakeholders. Successful examples underscored the effectiveness of collective action in accelerating sustainability.
  4. Green Skills in Action
    The final meeting focused on practical strategies for implementing eco-friendly practices in the industrial cleaning sector. Discussions emphasized workforce development and the integration of green technologies, showcasing the sector’s potential to lead sustainability efforts.

The meetings provided actionable insights and tools for advancing green transitions, reinforcing the SK CLEAN II Project’s commitment to real-world impact through collaboration and innovation.

The project is co-funded by the European Commission’s Support for Social Dialogue program under grant agreement no. 101051743.

Final Conference:

Details on the conference agenda, speakers, and access to recordings or presentations.

Downloadable documents: Invitation, Agenda

Pictures:

Intranet

The SK-Clean II intranet is a dedicated platform integrated within the project’s webpage to enhance collaboration and streamline the access of experts to internal resources.

A centralized digital workspace integrated into the project’s webpage, designed to enhance collaboration and streamline document sharing among project stakeholders. It serves as a secure platform tailored to the needs of the expert group, steering committee, and associated partners.

The intranet’s primary functionality is document sharing, enabling users to easily access, upload, and exchange essential project materials such as meeting agendas, presentations, operational documents, strategic plans, and research outputs. By ensuring that all project-related files are organized and readily available, the intranet promotes efficiency and transparency in communication.

Designed to support efficient project management and foster real-time collaboration, the intranet facilitates document sharing among the expert group, steering committee and associated partners’ experts.

Built with a focus on security, the intranet safeguards sensitive project data while offering intuitive navigation and a user-friendly interface to simplify access for all stakeholders. The SK-Clean II intranet thus becomes an indispensable tool for managing the complexities of the project while fostering a culture of cooperation and shared accountability.

Contact

Email Address: alessandro.oshiai@efci.eu

Quick Links

About the Project, Research Results, Training Framework, News and Events, Contact.

EU Flag

Co-funded by the Support for Social Dialogue program of the European Commission, Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion under grant agreement no. 101051743. The sole responsibility for the content of this document lies with the author and in no way reflects the views of the European Union

The project team

Coordinator:

The EFCI is an international non-profit association bringing together federations and associations representing the industrial cleaning and facility services industry at national level. The EFCI is the recognised Social Partner by the European Commission for the industrial cleaning sector in Europe. The cleaning and facility services sector is one of the major services industries in Europe, representing more than 297,000 companies which employ over 4 million people. The EFCI is inscribed in the EU Transparency Register with the number 79863609229-39.

Partners

This project was supported by the following members of the EFCI and by UNI Europa, the employees’ Social Partner for the sector, as associated organisations: