Successful Completion of 3D Academy Piloting Across Partner Countries

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The Erasmus+ 3D Academy project has successfully completed its piloting phase, testing the newly developed training programme in 3D technologies with students and learners across Europe. The piloting provided valuable insights into how the modules function in practice, while equipping participants with cutting-edge skills in 3D design, scanning, and printing.


Bulgaria
At the Vocational Agricultural Secondary School “Kliment Timiryazev,” piloting took place in the school’s newly established STEM centre with 23 students aged 14–18. Over the course of seven sessions, participants explored all modules of the 3D Academy curriculum and completed final projects using Creality 3D printers and Tinkercad/Fusion 360. Despite minor technical issues with the Bulgarian platform translation, students reported high satisfaction and were especially motivated by seeing their designs come to life.

Croatia
The Technical School of Mechanical Engineering “STŠ Fausta Vrančića” in Zagreb ran five training sessions between May and June 2025, involving 13 students aged 17–18. Training combined classroom learning with an industry visit to Topomatika (3D Group), where students experienced professional-grade scanning and printing equipment. Feedback highlighted that hands-on activities and team collaboration were key to motivation, with one participant stating: “Visiting the 3D group was a fantastic experience. I got much more than I expected.

Serbia
The Academy of Applied Science Polytechnic in Zemun implemented the training with 10 final-year bachelor students in Mechanical Engineering and Road Traffic programmes. Sessions combined theory, software training (TinkerCAD, Polycam), and practical workshops delivered with partner Voxellab in Belgrade. All participants completed the modules and valued the certification process. Recommendations included extending the duration of practical sessions and expanding access to 3D printers through industry partnerships.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
FabLab Sarajevo delivered the piloting through a blended approach, combining online sessions (via MS Teams) with in-person workshops at the lab. In total, 19 participants took part in the online training and 17 attended the hands-on sessions, representing a diverse group of vocational students, university learners, and entrepreneurs. The hybrid model proved effective, though completion rates on the platform highlighted the need for further improvements in group management and technical support.

Key Takeaways Across Countries

  • High engagement and motivation: Students valued the hands-on experience, teamwork, and the opportunity to connect theory with real-world applications.
  • Platform usability: The 3D Academy online platform was easy to navigate, though translation/localisation improvements are needed in some countries.
  • Industry relevance: Collaborations with companies and FabLabs enriched the learning experience, showing students how 3D technologies are applied in practice.
  • Future improvements: More time for practical activities, additional equipment, and stronger links to certification frameworks were common recommendations.

The piloting confirmed that the 3D Academy training programme is a valuable resource for enhancing STEM and digital skills among VET learners across Europe. The feedback gathered will now inform final adjustments to the platform and materials, ensuring their long-term impact and usability for educators, students, and industry stakeholders.

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