On January 9, at the "Yosif Vondrak" Secondary Vocational School - Ruse, a pilot training was held within the framework of a project CRAFT3D - Encouraging innovation in traditional craft practices through 3D printing and technological advances, implemented under the Erasmus+ program. The Bulgarian partner in the project is Business Innovation Center "Innobridge" – Ruse.

The training was aimed at students in grades 9 and 10, and interested teachers from the school also participated in it. The leaders of the classes were the experts from the BIC "Innobridge" - Nikolay Tsolev and Lora Dimitrova, who introduced the participants to the developed educational materials for the project and discussed with the young people questions that were interesting to them. In turn, the chairman of the innovation center Milen Dobrev spoke about the activities of the organization, and encouraged the young people to think about future initiatives for their development. The focus of the training was placed on the following key topics:

Introduction to 3D printing;
3D printing technologies;
3D printing equipment;
3D CAD modeling software applications;
Production of the physical model using external printing services;
3D printing of the object on a printer operating on the basis of filament deposition;
3D printing and the woodworking sector;
Designing a wooden craft item with a view to 3D printing;

Through practical examples and discussions, the potential of technological innovations for modernizing traditional crafts was examined. During the training, the students received valuable information about the prospects that 3D printing opens up for them in their future development, especially in the sectors of woodworking, design and prototyping of new services and models.

In addition to the technical part, the lecturers from Innobridge also presented the opportunities for participation in international educational and professional mobilities under the Erasmus+ program. Students were encouraged to consider participating in such initiatives in order to acquire new knowledge and skills, as well as to broaden their cultural and professional horizons.

With the successful implementation of the pilot training, the CRAFT3D project continues to promote innovative approaches in the field of craft practices. By providing up-to-date information and modern training tools, the initiative contributes to creating a sustainable connection between traditions and technological progress, stimulating the career and personal development of young professionals and trainees.

More information about the project can be found at https://craft3d-project.eu/