Politeknika Txorierri promotes international training in sustainable energy and virtual reality through SECOVE mobilities
Between March and May, Politeknika Txorierri took part in two international mobility activities within the framework of the European project SECOVE – Sustainable Energy Centres of Vocational Excellence, focused on training in sustainable energy, immersive technologies and international cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Training.
The first mobility took place in Bilbao from 16 to 25 March, when Politeknika Txorierri welcomed international students and teachers from Greece and Italy to participate in specialised training on sustainable energy and virtual reality learning. Under the motto “Learning today to power a more sustainable tomorrow”, the programme combined technical learning, hands-on activities, international collaboration and visits to relevant organisations in the Basque Country.
During their stay in Bilbao, participants explored the use of virtual reality and Matterport technology as tools to better understand sustainable energy systems and circular buildings. The training gave students the opportunity to carry out practical exercises, work with peers from other countries and contribute to the development of shared learning materials with potential international recognition.
The programme included a welcome session, a presentation of Politeknika Txorierri and an introduction to the SECOVE training, as well as a visit around the school facilities. In addition, students took part in study visits designed to connect classroom learning with real examples of sustainability and innovation. Highlights included the visit to ONDOAN, where participants learned about professional practices linked to sustainability and energy efficiency, and the visit to Tecnalia’s KUBIK Experimental Building in Derio, a relevant facility for exploring innovation in buildings, energy performance and sustainable construction.
The second mobility took place in Athens, Greece, from 13 to 23 May, with the participation of Politeknika Txorierri students in an intensive SECOVE training programme on sustainable energy and virtual reality. This activity brought together VET students, teachers and sector partners to explore the frontiers of sustainable energy and circular architecture, integrating technologies such as virtual reality and Matterport to make complex energy systems more accessible and connected to real practice.
Throughout the mobility in Athens, students participated in training sessions, educational visits and technical activities in collaboration with Greek centres and organisations. The programme enabled them to deepen their knowledge of sustainable energy systems, energy efficiency, the fundamentals of photovoltaic energy and the principles of circular construction. It also included practical activities linked to the use of Matterport for the creation of immersive environments and digital twins applied to sustainable energy facilities and buildings.
The activities carried out in Greece included visits to VET centres such as SAEK Egaleo, VET OMHROS and VET DELTA, as well as a technical visit to NANODOMI, a company specialised in photovoltaic systems. These experiences allowed students to learn about different approaches to professional excellence, sustainability and the practical application of energy technologies in real contexts.
The mobility also included participation in a SECOVE conference at the University of West Attica, strengthening the international dimension of the project and encouraging knowledge exchange among schools, teachers, students and sector stakeholders.
Through these two mobilities, SECOVE has offered students an opportunity to develop technical and transversal skills linked to the green and digital transitions. The activities have helped strengthen cooperation among Vocational Education and Training centres from different countries, promoting innovative methodologies, applied learning, the use of immersive technologies and direct contact with companies and institutions in the field of sustainable energy.
With these experiences, Politeknika Txorierri continues to reinforce its commitment to internationalisation, educational innovation and the preparation of professionals capable of contributing to a more sustainable future.
