The International VET Provider Pilot Training under the VET EcoLume project was officially finalised in the vibrant city of Santiago de Chile. From January 12th to 18th 2026, experts and educators have gathered to set the foundations for a week dedicated to light pollution sustainable energy education and innovative VET practices. This initiative co-funded by the European Union represents a major step forward in technical training and environmental protection.
The first three days of the training focused on building a collective understanding of light pollution and its far reaching effects. Participants examined how excessive artificial light impacts urban environments natural ecosystems and global energy consumption. By exploring key concepts and technical methodologies the group identified practical ways to document light pollution. These sessions were designed to produce practical approaches that can be transferred directly into Vocational Education and Training plus adult education contexts across the globe.
Partner meeting
Through interactive sessions group discussions and peer exchange between European and Latin American providers the groundwork was laid for applying this knowledge in real world environments. A vital component of this week was the international partner meeting held on January 14. Partners from Chile, Germany, Colombia, Estonia and Croatia came together to align on the next steps of the project and establish priorities for the upcoming phase.
The consortium reviewed the significant progress achieved so far and expressed pride in the strong cooperation established. This synergy is essential for developing a curriculum that is both scientifically accurate and easy to implement in diverse educational settings. The high level of collaboration demonstrates how international partnerships can effectively tackle global environmental issues through specialized training.
Making a step forward
The group is now ready to move from classroom based learning to field observation and site visits. Over the coming days participants will explore the streets of Santiago to apply their documentation tools in a practical setting. This transition from theory to practice is essential for creating a curriculum that is both scientifically sound and practically applicable for VET providers.
Great discussions, shared expectations and strong international collaboration marked the opening days. This is just the beginning of a journey toward more sustainable lighting and better technical education. By bridging the gap between technical expertise and environmental protection VET EcoLume is paving the way for a more sustainable future for our cities and the planet.