Review: Kick-off meeting in Dresden
Project launch TIME4CLAY&LIME: When traditional craftsmanship provides answers to the challenges of the present
In October 2025, a European project was launched that could hardly be more topical: TIME4CLAY&LIME. Initiated by the Institute for Applied Trade Research (IAGF) and implemented as part of Erasmus+ (KA220-VET), the project combines centuries-old craftsmanship with the pressing issues of our time—health, sustainability, and future-proof vocational training in the painting trade.
The title says it all: the focus is on lime and clay coatings—materials that were commonplace for generations but are now often only used in the preservation of historic buildings. TIME4CLAY&LIME wants to change that.
What is the project about?
TIME4CLAY&LIME aims to systematically reintroduce lime and clay coatings into modern residential and commercial construction in the painting trade—based on sound technical knowledge, practical experience, and formal recognition.
Specifically, this means:
- Development of higher professional qualifications at level 5 of the National/EU Qualifications Framework (NQF/EQF)
- Development of modular continuing education programs and micro-credentials that can be used flexibly and alongside work
- European comparability of skills and qualifications
- Strengthening "green skills" in the building trade.
The project will run for 36 months (October 2025 to September 2028) and brings together partners from Germany, Austria, Lithuania, Hungary, and Luxembourg—educational institutions, research organizations, craft trade associations, and European interest groups.
The official start: Kick-off meeting in Dresden
On December 4 and 5, 2025, the first transnational project meeting took place in Dresden—an important milestone for TIME4CLAY&LIME. The host was the Saxon Educational Society for Environmental Protection and Chemical Professions (SBG), which also coordinates the project.
The project partners met for two days to turn an approved project idea into a shared working reality.
Agenda items for the kick-off meeting – Shared understanding of the project
The first step was to get to know each other and take a joint look at the project's goals, structure, and schedule. It was particularly important to develop a common understanding of why lime and clay coatings are more than just a niche topic today—namely, a key to healthier construction and sustainable qualification.
Start of needs analysis and development of questionnaire
A key point of the meeting was the preparation of the needs analysis that each partner has to carry out in their own country. The following topics were discussed:
- Survey methodology
- Target groups (painting companies, educational institutions)
- Contents of the planned questionnaires and interviews
The results of these surveys are directly incorporated into the definition of learning outcomes and qualification standards.
Development of the project logo
The visual identity of TIME4CLAY&LIME was also discussed intensively at the kick-off. The logo should:
- reflect the connection to natural materials
- Making craftsmanship, sustainability, and European cooperation visible
- serve as a common identifying feature for public relations and dissemination
Logo development is therefore not only a graphic process, but also a content-related one.
Public relations and networking
It was clear right from the kick-off: TIME4CLAY&LIME wants to be visible from the outset. Initial public relations measures, the development of a digital information portal, and the use of existing European networks were initiated.
A promising start
The project launch and kick-off meeting in Dresden showed that TIME4CLAY&LIME is more than just a traditional educational project. It is a European attempt to rethink almost forgotten craftsmanship, combine it with modern educational tools, and thus make a lasting contribution to construction and training culture.
The first surveys, analyses, and conceptual work will follow in the coming months. We will keep you regularly updated on progress, interim results, and events here on the IAGF website.