<< Background >>A range of adversities resulted from covid 19 while several sectors had to figure out innovative means to tackle the difficulties and consequently evolve (including education sector). Nevertheless, covid 19 boosted the educational transition to the digital educational era, on which AREOLA project is focused. AREOLA arises to fight the latest setbacks in VET training. The development of online training materials, and virtual training tools (Virtual Reality – VR and Augmented Reality – AR) is foreseen as an innovative measure to boost VET systems through the new digital era. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an emerging technology and one of the latest manufacturing trends that could help the recovery of several sectors including the Aerospace sector, which was one of the sectors most affected by covid 19. This sector relies on strategic developments to support its recovery, and the improvement of the supporting technologies is strong pillar of the sector recovery. Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) is an AM technology with significant impact in the Aerospace sector. Recently, there were some major improvements within the AM educational sector with the development of an International Additive Manufacturing Qualification System (IAMQS) – managed by AREOLA partner EWF. This system englobes a series of harmonized AM qualifications, on which is included a qualification for PBF-LB Operators with increasing applicability in the Aerospace sector. This qualification will be used as the centre of AREOLA project developments.Through a close connection with AM industrial networks and the Aerospace sector, the AREOLA project will increase the quality of the training provided in the PBF-LB Operators field, ensuring that the high-quality standards in terms of training for this sector are met. Not only the Aerospace sector needs, AREOLA will also tackle the needs in AM training in terms of more inclusive, digital, green and remote training. Besides that, the fact that the practical training can be delivered in a virtual digital environment will significantly reduce the cost of training in European VET providers and will promote the overall VET attractiveness.AREOLA project will pave the path for future developments in AM educational systems (and other manufacturing areas) towards the digital educational area.<< Objectives >>AREOLA project will enable AM VET centres to provide a more comprehensive training in PBF-LB Operator field, with the use of digital training resources. AREOLA will boost AM training sector towards the new digital educational era, with the development of online theoretical training materials and the development of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality digital tools. The development of these tools will reduce the costs associated to PBF-LB practical training. Besides that, covid 19 adversities will be tackled via an innovative Blended learning path and supporting training tools for AM PBF-LB Operators VET training, which will allow training to be conducted both remotely and on-site. Quality training will be assured through the close relationship with AM Networks and industry, namely Aerospace. AREOLA will support the recovery of the Aerospace, ensuring training excellence in the field, with support of innovative virtual training environments. Taking in consideration the high standards of the Aerospace sector with development of PBF-LB Operator training tools aligned with industrial needs, raising the overall training quality.AREOLA will foster IAMQS implementation, extending its activities in the Aerospace sector. The project will also boost the visibility of AM PBF-LB Operator qualification visibility in EU manufacturing sectors, through excellence in training provided. Raising VET attractiveness will be one of the project main objectives<< Implementation >>During the implementation of AREOLA there are 5 Project Results (PRs), which comprise the work to be developed during project implementation, each PR including a set of tasks associated.In order to achieve the expected results, a series of activities will be implemented. Starting by a research and analysis of requisites and needs in the field of VR and AR training for PBF-LB Operators and the Aerospace field, followed by the development of innovative remote and virtual training tools and Blended learning guidelines. The developments resulted from the afore mentioned activities will be validated through pilot Learning Activities and actualized accordingly to the activities’ results.Additionally, during the project, the following activities will be implemented, including: A learning activity aiming at trainers and other VET staff (inside AREOLA partnership) to transfer knowledge on how to implement the digital training tools developed within the project.Piloting the digital training materials and tools developed in the project together with students and a 4 Virtual Roundtables to discuss on improvements to the content developed, based on pilot results.Furthermore, several dissemination activities will be implemented such as:4 National Conferences for the promotion of AREOLA results and engagement with national key stakeholders 1 European Final Conference for the promotion of the project results and engagement with key stakeholders from 30 EU Countries.<< Results >>AREOLA will contribute to the European digitalisation strategy by supporting the uptake of innovative approaches and digital technologies in the education sector.Moreover, AREOLA project’s expected results are fully aligned with the New Skills Agenda for Sustainable, competitiveness, social Fairness and resilience actions, namely concerning innovative practices in a digital era, transparency and promotion of upskilling / reskilling pathways trough the development of: - Report on analysis of VET and AM industry needs in terms of VR and AR training in PBF-LB Operators- Innovative online theoretical training for PBF-LB Operators, tailored for the Aerospace sector- Virtual and Augmented reality training tools for PBF-LB Operators with the use of a comprised database of Aerospace practical scenarios- Analysis of the applicability of different training strategies (blended and on-site) in the field of PBF-LB Operators- Blended learning guideline for PBF-LB training.