Empowering the Future of Water through Soft Skills: Outline The SKILLS4Water Training Programme
The SKILLS4Water Innovative Training Programme is a pioneering initiative designed to integrate soft skills into higher education for the water sector. Developed under the Erasmus+ project and led by H2O People, the programme draws on the proven methodology of the European Junior Water Programme (EJWP) to equip young professionals with essential interpersonal, personal, and situational skills. Spanning four training weeks across Serbia, Belgium, Germany, and Romania, the programme combines leadership development, intercultural communication, conflict management, and resilience training with field visits and stakeholder engagement.
Each training week is co-created with host institutions and includes two days of intensive soft skills development and one day dedicated to broader sectoral engagement. Participants are selected through a decentralized process by partner institutions, ensuring alignment with both individual and organizational needs. The inclusion of InterVision peer-coaching sessions and multiplier events enhances the collaborative learning experience, fostering a community-driven approach to professional growth and innovation.
By focusing on the human factor in water management, SKILLS4Water contributes to a more resilient and sustainable European water sector. The programme not only prepares participants to navigate complex challenges but also promotes intergenerational learning and cross-sectoral collaboration. As a replicable model, it offers valuable insights for integrating soft skills into higher education and professional development across industries.
