Abstract:

There is an increasing necessity to make a transition from the current linear economic model, summarised in produce-consume-throw away, towards a circular model, which tries to maximise products and materials value for long time, closing both their technical and biological cycles. This transition towards a circular model constitutes a new challenge for the entire society as it has to adapt current industrial processes, and therefore equip current and future professionals with the necessary skills for such transition.

In this context, the furniture sector, a traditional and relevant sector for the European economy with more than 1 million jobs, offers a great opportunity to analyse how to cover the industry needs for a successfully circular transition. The sector is characterised by its high dynamism and fragmented structure, dominated by small and medium enterprises, as well as the continuous need to improve its competitiveness and market differentiation to face the growing Asian market competition.

Hence, in the framework of the FURN360 project, co-financed by the Erasmus + programme, a Joint Curriculum for a Vocational Education Training was developed covering the knowledge gaps for a circular transition on the furniture sector. To ensure an aligned training offer with the industry requirements, firstly the furniture sector was mapped to identify and analyse already implemented circular economy best practices. Secondly, the essential skills, knowledge and competencies that allow the selected best practices to success in their implementation were defined. Finally, the defined skills were transferred into learning outcomes and grouped in different training modules and units.

As a final result, a completed Joint Curriculum was developed for current and future professionals of the furniture sector that will allow them to increase their knowledge on circular economy practices and how to implement them.

Keywords:

Circular economy, furniture, Joint Curriculum, skills.