The 2nd Country Roundtable Discussion of the European BuildSkills Academy project was successfully held on Wednesday, July 3, 2025, at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in Limassol. The event focused on validating the BuildEnrichedSkills Methodology (BESM) and aligning it with the real needs of the construction industry.

The discussion brought together representatives from the construction sector, vocational education and training (VET), academia, professional associations, and governmental departments and services. Participants examined the BESM — an innovative approach designed to serve as an evaluation tool for VET providers, helping them assess their training programs and align them, through specific recommendations, with green and digital skills, making them more relevant and sustainable.

• Presentation of the final version of the BESM, developed under the Erasmus+ BuildSkills Academy project.

• Assessment of the BESM handbook and digital platform, both of which support VET providers in adapting their programs to the evolving demands of the construction sector.

• Feedback from participants regarding the clarity of the methods, the practical application of the methodology, and the need for further focus on specific occupational pathways (e.g., BIM, energy efficiency).

• Discussion on aligning the methodology with national and European policies, the digital and green transition, and the upgrading of professional qualifications.

Issues related to the prioritization of duties within Cypriot institutions were discussed, with the aim of improving coordination and integration of education and training programs, as well as raising public awareness about opportunities to expand qualifications and skills. The common goal is the twin transition of the construction sector under sustainability criteria. The need for developing a roadmap was also highlighted, in order to provide appropriate guidelines for organizing and coordinating such actions. As a first step, it was emphasized that the needs of the local construction industry must be identified, followed by an evaluation of existing and proposed programs, utilizing assessment tools such as the BSP offered by the BESM methodology. Finally, it is important to anticipate the potential saturation of certain professions in the future, driven by rapid technological advancement.

The BESM is recognized as a valuable tool for building a resilient, green, and digitally skilled construction workforce. The project is coordinated in Cyprus by the Cyprus University of Technology, the Cyprus Certification Company and KyklOIKOdromio.

This meeting formed part of a broader strategy for reforming vocational education and training across Europe, in light of the twin transition toward climate neutrality and digital transformation.