Project CRAVT

From community-based intangible cultural heritage to social entrepreneurship. VET programme in craftsmanship within the Neighborhood East (Moldova and Ukraine)

Web page: cravt-project.eu

Traditional craftsmanship forms an important part of community-based intangible cultural heritage in Moldova and Ukraine, yet its transmission faces growing challenges. Many experienced craftspeople are ageing, younger generations have limited access to structured vocational pathways, and rural artisans often lack the entrepreneurial skills and market opportunities needed to turn their expertise into sustainable livelihoods. Weak links between training providers and craft businesses further restrict progression from learning to employment. In Ukraine, war and displacement have placed additional pressure on cultural transmission and economic stability.

CRAVT responds to these challenges by strengthening vocational education and training for the sector. It combines traditional knowledge with entrepreneurship, digital competences, sustainable practices and work-based learning to create more relevant learning opportunities for educators, craftspeople and future professionals. Ukrainian refugees with craft expertise in Moldova and Romania will also participate, supporting both cultural continuity and economic resilience.

Using a participatory and research-driven approach, the project will first analyse local craft ecosystems and existing methods of knowledge transmission. This evidence will inform a dedicated curriculum, training modules and digital resources, which will later be tested through capacity-building activities and mobility exchanges. By connecting heritage safeguarding with vocational learning and entrepreneurship, CRAVT seeks to improve professional pathways while reinforcing cooperation between educators, cultural organisations, businesses and local communities.

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Project objectives

To enhance the knowledge base related to sustainable crafts as intangible cultural heritage in Moldova and Ukraine.

To enhance learning opportunities in VET for sustainable crafts and community-based entrepreneurship in Moldova and Ukraine.

To build the capacities of VET trainers in the field of sustainable crafts and community-based entrepreneurship in Moldova and Ukraine.

To raise awareness of intangible cultural heritage safeguarding and the socio-cultural roles of craft-based economies.

Main results

Research report on craft ecosystems

A comprehensive analysis of sustainable craftsmanship, intangible cultural heritage, knowledge-transmission methods and local ecosystems, providing the evidence base for the training resources.

CRAVT Toolkit

A comprehensive VET curriculum comprising five craft-specific training modules, a micro-credentials framework and digital and audiovisual learning resources. The toolkit will cover sustainable craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, digital competences, work-based learning and career development, and will be available as an Open Educational Resource.

Capacity-building programme

Four pilot workshops involving at least 100 VET educators, trainers and craftspeople, complemented by two mobility exchanges for 10 VET providers from the target countries in Spain and Portugal.

CRAVT online learning platform

A digital environment providing continued access to the curriculum, modules and audiovisual resources developed by the project.

Policy recommendations

Recommendations for integrating craft-related vocational training into the national VET systems of Moldova and Ukraine.

Expected impact

CRAVT is expected to improve the capacity of training providers to deliver structured and relevant education for the craft sector. Educators and craftspeople will gain access to updated learning resources that combine technical knowledge with entrepreneurship, digital competences and sustainable practice, helping strengthen professional pathways and links with the labour market. The project is also designed to support groups facing greater barriers to training and employment, including rural artisans, women, young people and displaced Ukrainians.

Beyond individual learners, the project seeks to reinforce the conditions needed for traditional skills to remain economically viable and continue to be transmitted within local communities. Closer cooperation between training institutions, craft businesses and cultural organisations is expected to support new employment and entrepreneurial opportunities while contributing to the safeguarding of living heritage.

In the longer term, the continued use of the curriculum, open-access platform and policy recommendations is intended to encourage the integration of craft-related training into national systems and closer alignment with European VET practices. These resources may also contribute to stronger local creative economies, cultural tourism and more resilient rural communities.