Originally designed for 120 participants, the Erasmus+-co-financed FREELANCER training reached nearly 700 learners and trainers across Europe — marking a milestone in accessible and practice-oriented education for freelancers.

What began as a pilot to validate the FREELANCER training curriculum with 120 participants has grown into one of the project’s most remarkable achievements: by the end of the implementation phase, the FREELANCER partnership had reached almost 700 learners and trainers across Europe. This overwhelming response underscores both the relevance of the content and the urgent demand for structured, accessible training for freelancers in the evolving digital economy.

The piloting activity was carried out in all partner countries — Italy, Spain, Estonia, Croatia — through local testing events, online sessions, and blended workshops. Each participant explored the nine multilingual modules available on the FREELANCER Digital OER Platform, designed to build practical competences for self-employment, digital transformation, and entrepreneurial growth.

The feedback received from participants paints a clear picture: the FREELANCER training works. Learners praised its clarity, practical orientation, and balanced length, describing it as “easy to follow,” “up-to-date,” and “a useful tool for exploring new career paths.” Many appreciated the integration of theory and practice, which allowed them to immediately apply the knowledge gained through exercises, case studies, and reflection tasks.

From the trainers’ side, the response was equally positive. VET educators highlighted the user-friendly format, ready-made theory notes, and structured exercises that simplified implementation. Trainers described the materials as “interesting and very practical” and emphasized how well the content aligned with learners’ real-world needs.

Across all piloting sites, partners observed a strong engagement level, particularly among job-seekers and aspiring freelancers exploring new ways of working in post-pandemic contexts. The modular and open-access design of the training made it adaptable to different profiles, age groups, and educational backgrounds — from recent graduates to mid-career professionals looking to update their digital and business skills.

Beyond numbers, the piloting confirmed the impact and transferability of the FREELANCER model. The combination of research-based content, hands-on learning, and open access in five languages turned the curriculum into a flexible tool for individuals and institutions alike.

The successful validation phase positions FREELANCER as a benchmark for future VET initiatives in self-employment and digital skills training — a clear example of how European cooperation can make learning inclusive, scalable, and impactful.

🌐 Explore the full curriculum and results:
www.freelancer-training.eu/training.php