As part of the Erasmus+ co-funded project NICHE 2 – Cooperation Partnership in Vocational Education and Training (VET), partners have carried out an extensive co-creation process to develop an innovative training curriculum for practitioners in the field of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).

Building on the achievements of the previous NICHE initiative, the project equips ICH operators with the skills and tools needed to address the green and digital transition, in line with EU sustainability objectives. The resulting programme is a micro-credential-based, learner-centred VET curriculum, structured into seven modular courses aligned with the European Commission’s GreenComp framework and made freely available in six languages.

A key strength of the project lies in its participatory co-creation approach, which brought together practitioners, trainers, and experts across Europe in a series of targeted events. In Italy, IDP engaged cultural practitioners and trainers to validate the training structure and gather practical input on environmental impact assessment, highlighting the need for simple tools and “learning in small steps.” IHF worked closely with VET providers and sustainability experts through online sessions and a workshop to shape content on monitoring and reporting, with participants stressing the importance of clear guidance and avoiding “greenwashing.”

In Spain, IWS organised two in-person sessions in Málaga with women, young people, and rural entrepreneurs, where participants emphasised hands-on learning, access to eco-friendly materials, and the role of digital tools in promoting traditional crafts. In Iceland, HAC organised co-creation exchanges with ICH experts, rural associations, and VET providers, contributing practical perspectives to the development of the training. In parallel, Strandagaldur facilitated more focused online and face-to-face sessions with specialists, helping refine specific modules through detailed feedback, local case studies, and applied examples.

Additional insights were gathered through participatory sessions led by Terra Sud, where stakeholders highlighted the importance of inclusive community engagement, accessible tools, and simple evaluation methods for small organisations. In Croatia, the University of Dubrovnik brought together experienced cultural professionals to discuss how climate change is already affecting heritage practices and infrastructure, reinforcing the need for adaptable skills and scenario-based learning approaches.

This collaborative process not only validated the training framework but also ensured that the content reflects real challenges—from limited resources in rural areas to the need for clearer sustainability measurement in cultural organisations. The final outputs will be consolidated into the NICHE 2 eLearning platform, supporting capacity-building for ICH operators and promoting sustainable and innovative pathways across the cultural heritage sector.