INSIDE-CoVE Brings Together Education, Industry and Research Stakeholders in Limerick
On 25 May 2026, the INSIDE-CoVE consortium successfully delivered its first Irish Multiplier Event in Limerick, Ireland. Organised by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB), the event took place at the College of Further Education and Training on O’Connell Avenue and brought together representatives from vocational education, industry, research and innovation communities.
The event highlighted the role of INSIDE-CoVE in strengthening vocational education and training (VET) for the construction sector through the development of Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) across Ireland, Greece, Spain and Germany. Participants explored how innovative training approaches can support the green and digital transition of the construction industry while ensuring that future professionals acquire the skills required by a rapidly evolving sector.
The programme was opened by Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training at LCETB, followed by a presentation of the INSIDE-CoVE project by Fotis Kizakis, Project Manager at the Architectural Aluminium Academy. Attendees also learned about the development of new INSIDE-CoVE curricula from Gloria Callinan of TUS’s Sustainable Development Research Institute (SDRI). The session showcased how the project is developing future-oriented, industry-aligned training programmes that integrate sustainability, energy efficiency, digitalisation and circular economy principles.
A key focus of the event was the connection between INSIDE-CoVE and other European initiatives supporting sustainable construction and innovation. Presentations highlighted lessons learned from the DeCO2 and HeriSOL projects, while additional insights were shared on bio-based materials for construction insulation by Dr Ian Major from TUS PRISM. These contributions demonstrated the importance of collaboration between education, research and industry in addressing sustainability challenges and accelerating innovation in the built environment.
Representatives from TUS SDRI, including Gloria Callinan, Bebhinn Kennedy and Stephanie Moore, presented the university’s work in sustainable development, research-led innovation and curriculum design. As a leading contributor to curriculum development within the Irish CoVE, TUS is helping to create educational programmes that combine practical industry relevance with emerging priorities such as life cycle assessment, material reuse, digital product passports and lifelong learning opportunities.
The multiplier event attracted approximately 30 participants who attended in person, creating valuable opportunities for discussion, networking and knowledge exchange. According to the organisers, the event successfully raised awareness of INSIDE-CoVE and its contribution to improving the relevance, innovation and inclusiveness of vocational education and training for the construction sector.
Through events such as this, INSIDE-CoVE continues to foster collaboration among education providers, industry stakeholders and research organisations, supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of driving the sustainable transformation of the European construction sector