Strategic EU initiative under the Union of Skills strategy
Supporting Europe’s innovation, sustainability, and technological leadership agenda
200,000 learners to be trained through vocational and professional programmes
EIT RawMaterials is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union
Brussels, 15 October 2025 – EIT RawMaterials, Europe’s leading innovation community in the raw materials sector, has been mandated to lead the newly launched European Advanced Materials Academy.
This flagship initiative under the European Union’s Union of Skills strategy will fast-track the development of a future-ready workforce, equipping Europe to strengthen its industrial innovation, sustainability, and advanced materials leadership.
The European Advanced Materials Academy addresses the urgent demand for skilled talent across high-tech sectors, including energy, mobility, electronics, and construction. With advanced materials forming the backbone of sustainable and resilient value chains, the Academy will train 200,000 learners by 2029, fostering new scientific talent, enabling lifelong learning, and closing the growing skills gap in the materials innovation ecosystem.
Bernd Schäfer, CEO, Managing Director, EIT RawMaterials, said: “The race for Europe’s industrial leadership will be won by those who innovate faster, design sustainably, and scale talent. With the launch of the European Advanced Materials Academy, we are not only preparing for the future, we are shaping it. From AI-driven design to circular manufacturing, this Academy will equip Europe’s workforce to lead the next generation of materials innovation.
“By engaging 200,000 learners across the EU, we are building the skills and sovereignty Europe needs. EIT RawMaterials is proud to play a pivotal role in connecting the value chain, from raw materials to the most advanced applications, and in developing the critical talent for Europe’s green and digital transitions.”
Martin Kern, Director, EIT, said: “With the launch of the European Advanced Materials Academy, the EIT is once again mobilising its unique ecosystem to meet Europe’s skills needs. As the EU’s only innovation body with a strong local presence in every Member State, we connect business and education on the ground, ensuring training that matches real industry demand. This Academy will equip learners with advanced materials skills for today’s jobs while preparing Europe for global leadership in this strategic field. The Academy will offer a comprehensive portfolio of multilingual, modular, and accredited learning programmes across the advanced materials value chain. Key features include:
- Skills-first pathways for students and professionals
- Industry-aligned training in areas such as digital materials modelling, additive manufacturing, AI applications, and sustainable-by-design innovation
- Train-the-Trainer programmes and micro-credentials to ensure scalability and transferability
The initiative directly supports the EU’s Advanced Materials for Industrial Leadership strategy announced in 2024 and the upcoming Advanced Materials Act, planned for 2026. It also aligns with major policy priorities such as the Union of Skills, the European Commission’s cross-sectoral effort to upskill Europe’s workforce for a sustainable and technologically advanced future.
Media Contact EIT RawMaterials
Elisabeth Ippel
Communications Manager
elisabeth.ippel@eitrawmaterials.eu
