The project “BeaT – Renewing Vocational Training for the Automotive Transformation,” coordinated by Fraunhofer IKTS and implemented in collaboration with automotive thüringen e.V. and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, was presented as an exemplary initiative in the EU Commission's latest Good Practices Catalog Vol. 1. The catalog is part of the “Harnessing Talent Platform” and documents projects from European regions that pursue innovative approaches to securing skilled workers and developing skills in the context of digital and green transformation.

BeaT addresses the profound changes in the automotive industry resulting from electrification, automation, and new production processes. For the Thuringia supply industry, which is strongly affected by these developments, the project is developing new vocational training concepts that prepare employees and companies for future requirements.

Particular emphasis is placed on the train-the-trainer format developed by BeaT, which enables companies to systematically build digital skills and actively shape change processes: The project shows great potential for improving the quality and resilience of working environments in the automotive supply industry. The clear methodology and close alignment with regional and national goals ensured sustainable results, according to Christoph Kellner, Policy Officer at the Representation of the Free State of Thuringia to the EU, quoted in the catalog (EC 2025, p. 14).

The project's results include a comprehensive analysis of skills needs, the development of a practice-oriented continuing education format, and its testing in pilot companies. In addition, recommendations for the introduction of peer learning and blended learning approaches were formulated. Close cooperation between research institutions, industry partners, and education stakeholders is highlighted as a key success factor.

The project was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs from October 2021 to September 2024 as part of the 7th Energy Research Program of the German federal government (grant number 03EI5221A-D).