A full transition to Circular Economy is not possible without professionals with a new way of understanding the economy, a comprehensive knowledge of the circular business models and new skills, tools and competences for developing circular strategies. The job market needs to be prepared for a transition that is already taking place and a specific Circular Economy training would be a key instrument to boost the employability, self-employment and meet the new labour market demand.

U-ECO is a KA2 Strategic Partnership co-funded by the Erasmus+ of the European Union. Led by SwIdeas in Sweden, the project also gathers partners from Belgium (European Association of Development Agencies – EURADA), Spain (an engineering and technological consultancy – Bioazul; Training Development and Integration – DEFOIN), Romania (Center for promoting lifelong learning – CPIP), and Poland (Association for the Regional Initiatives Development – ARID).

An innovative project, U-ECO focuses on the process of transition towards a Circular Economy, addressing the need for a specific Circular Economy training that is able to boost employability, self-employment, and meet the new labor market demands. By identifying areas with more potential for growth as well as job profiles that will be demanded in the next decade, U-ECO aims at supporting individuals in acquiring and developing the right skills and competences to meet the growing demands from the labor market. Additionally, U-ECO will prioritize the goal of boosting self-employment in the Circular Economy context by supporting the setting up of, and access to, key upskilling pathways. Gathering a total of approximately 400 people, among entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and professionals, U-ECO expects to design and implement a training strategy, inspire potential entrepreneurs with successful case studies and good practices, and create a manual for trainers.