Strengthening Collaboration Across Borders – Partners Met in Vaasa

On 9–10 December 2025, the Voltage partnership gathered in Vaasa, Finland, for the next transnational meeting. Hosted by Vamia and Merinova, the two-day programme offered a well-balanced mix of workshops, study visits and networking opportunities, all embedded in the broader ambition of strengthening skills ecosystems within the European battery industry.

The meeting began with a warm welcome at Vamia’s educational premises, where participants were introduced to the Finnish battery ecosystem and the national vocational education system. A guided tour through Vamia’s Department of Technology provided insights into how vocational training is adapting to new industrial realities. Special attention was given to how exam modules and learning environments are being tailored to meet the evolving competence needs of battery-related sectors.

In the afternoon, the work package leaders facilitated parallel workshops to take stock of progress and align on upcoming tasks. These sessions not only reinforced collaboration but also helped identify synergies across work packages, laying the groundwork for the next project phase.

A particularly valuable feature of the programme was the series of study visits that highlighted the strong interplay between education, innovation, and industrial development in the Vaasa region. Partners had the opportunity to visit VEO, a technology company specialising in automation and electrification solutions, where discussions centred on competence development and green energy transition. In addition, representatives from local companies such as Wasaline and others shared business cases and strategic insights during company presentations hosted at the Merinova premises.

These encounters offered real context to the project’s mission and spurred reflections on how Centres of Vocational Excellence can act as bridges between the classroom and the workplace.

The cultural and social elements of the meeting also contributed to the collaborative spirit. Participants were treated to a guided evening tour of Vaasa by night, followed by a traditional Finnish dinner experience, complete with a visit to the sauna and a surprise appearance from Santa Claus himself. These moments helped strengthen the sense of partnership and shared purpose that defines the Voltage project.

With gratitude to our Finnish hosts for their outstanding hospitality and thoughtful programme, the meeting concluded with a renewed sense of direction and collective energy. As the project continues into 2026, the Vaasa meeting stands as a testament to what can be achieved when education and industry come together to build sustainable, future-oriented skills ecosystems across Europe.