Supporting modernisation in the EU TCLF (textile, clothing, leather and footwear) VET systems to enable economic growth, promote the industry to new entrants and support industry innovation. TOWARDS A NETWORK OF EUROPEAN TCLF VET PROVIDERS PROMOTING EXCELLENCE “Collaboration between VET providers, research centres, social partners, and local and national authorities is critical for economic growth.”, C. Arias (CEC) On the occasion of the EU Vocational Education and Training (VET) Skills Week, the Erasmus+ Skills4Smart TCLF industries 2030 Blueprint project consortium welcomed over 100 EU TCLF VET providers and other public and private stakeholders to a webinar presenting the opportunities and next steps to build up a European TCLF VET Network promoting excellence. In addition, the audience learned about the results of a survey to over 100 VET providers and the outcomes of 7 national VET workshops with over 200 participants from 13 countries, which explored how Europe’s VET providers currently collaborate, where they need more support, how they deliver learning, and how Covid-19 has impacted their entities.

New dates on March 20 to 24, 2021 for the trade fair that successfully connected the Italian fashion system last September The challenge continues. Important teamwork, synergies and positive signals registered in the last edition (September 20 - 23, 2020) have consolidated plans to repeat the #strongertogether project in March 2021. The trade fairs in the fashion system will once again be held on the same dates, March 20 through 24, 2021, at a single location, the Fieramilano Rho trade fair centre. A true exhibition hub beginning with HOMI Fashion&Jewels Exhibition, the event for bijoux, jewellery and wearable fashion accessories, which will open on March 20 and stay open until Monday, March 22, 2021.

It is a long and good tradition of the Federal Association of the Shoe and Leather Goods Industry to award creative young people for their special achievements. "Even more, it is a special concern of ours, especially in difficult times, to support young creative people", emphasizes HDS/L General Manager Manfred Junkert. Therefore, the association will again announce the HDS/L Junior Award next year. The award honors young people who enhance and stage the product shoe through extraordinary creativity and innovation. The motto of the HDS/L Junior Award 2021 is "RECYCLING / UPCYCLING - CREATE A NEW STYLE WITH USED MATERIALS! New, creative ideas in the field of recycling are in demand.