BACKGROUND & CHALLENGES3D printing is a cornerstone of the industrial shift towards advanced manufacturing, creating opportunities for employment, value creation, and reallocation of manufacturing production back to Europe. As is the case with any disruptive technology, new needs for skills and qualifications are emerging; 3D printing requires skilled blue-collar employees in manufacturing (i.e. technicians & operators) to acquire new competences. In spite of this, the development of skills required to enter the 3D printing job market is not currently supported by VET programs and apprenticeships that can lead to certification, and applied 3D printing skills remain unavailable to most VET job profiles.AIMThe project tackled this challenge by supporting VET provision to equip technicians & operators with 3D printing skills. The needs of VET providers, learners, employees, and the sector were addressed by: a) matching skill supply with demand, b) increasing employees' employability, performance and job security, and c) strengthening the EU manufacturing sector by valorising investments in 3D printing through a skilled workforce.OBJECTIVES1) to support VET provision of 3D printing skills with guides, resources, OERs, and a hands-on training methodology.2) to identify new occupational profiles in the manufacturing sector, 3) to facilitate and accelerate the integration of new skills and qualifications in VET.4) to contribute to the implementation of EU policies on qualifications, transparency, mobility, and a European Industrial Renaissance, creating secure and sustainable jobs.THE 3D PRISM PARTNERSHIPThe partnership comprised 5 organisations from 5 countries from the world of VET, the manufacturing sector, the EU skills & qualifications accreditation field, as well as learning innovation specialists. The University of Sheffield-Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (USFD-AMRC) leads the research on additive manufacturing and on-the-job training. FLORIDA University is an expert in designing and delivering VET programs and courses. The European Association of the Machine Tool Industries (CECIMO) represents the needs and workplace realities of the manufacturing sector at EU-level. EXELIA is an expert in R&D and delivery of innovative ICT-based methodologies for VET. CIMEA is a public authority active in the recognition of qualifications. ACTIVITIES & METHODOLOGY1. Original desk and field research, following the ESCO taxonomy and approach, to develop occupational profiles.2. Definition of learning outcomes, knowledge and topics, program structure and development of a hands-on training methodology to produce VET guidelines for 3D printing jobs in the manufacturing sector.3. Development of learning units, video materials, ICT-based materials and OERs for VET provision on 3D printing skills.4.Involvement of public authorities for the certification & accreditation of 3D printing skills5. Sharing and validation of outputs with multiplier events, inviting target groups to uptake 3D PRISM results and act as further disseminators.RESULTS & IMPACT1. A compendium of existing and emerging 3D printing occupational profiles in the manufacturing sector, to support VET providers in advancing and developing new offerings and to supplement national and EU-level labour market research.2. A VET programs and courses guide for 3D printing occupations in the manufacturing sector, to improve the labour market relevance of VET provision across Europe.3. 3D PRISM learning units and resources for initial and continuous VET programs on 3D printing manufacturing jobs, to improve the quality of VET provision and provide learners with access to materials to improve their skills and thus employability.4. A recommendations paper and a consultation & action plan for VET providers and public regulatory authorities, to lay the ground for follow-up activities on the certification and accreditation of 3D printing skills courses and occupational profiling.5. An exhibition event in the largest sectoral event in Europe (EMO 2017), two demonstration workshops and three infodays, to reach, train, and involve target groups.POST-PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY1. Development of new training programs and courses based on 3D PRISM outputs by VET providers across the EU.2. Participation of a growing number of initial and continuous VET learners in courses based on 3D PRISM outputs.3. Expansion of the strategic partnership towards a network of collaborating VET and manufacturing stakeholders to reinforce the ties between VET provision and the labour market.4. Further maturing and development of certification & accreditation policies influenced by 3D PRISM recommendations.