The Crafts Youth Future Engagement (CYFE) project targets young people aged 13 to 18 and aims to reconnect them with the professional craft sector. The analysis carried out through two surveys among craftspeople and young people shows that there is a problem of passing on know-how to new generations on the one hand and a lack of awareness of what crafts are and what areas of business they involve on the other.
A large percentage of craftsmen are aging and will retire within 10 to 20 years.
Most have no succession plan and their skills may be lost along with valuable experience in the trade. Artisan occupations cover sectors such as interior design, fashion, heritage conservation, traditional construction and tourism. All these areas are essential to the richness and diversity of Europe.
Furthermore, as young people agree that we need to bring more sustainability and responsible consumption into our lifestyles, the project aims to show how craft production can contribute to this goal.
The partners’ expertise in both craft and education will be supported by a high level of digital technology skills, with the aim of jointly creating tools that highlight the core values that craft represents: strong know-how and expertise, entrepreneurship, high quality, long-lasting production, low waste, local sourcing, self-empowerment, creativity, innovation and protection of cultural heritage.
It will also highlight the diversity of opportunities that the sector offers.
The aim of the project is to change the mindset of European citizens about the place and role of the craft professions and to show that crafts are a responsible and sustainable choice in a global market. The primary target group is young people. The aim of the project is to educate young people aged 13 to 18 and to create the basis for a more responsible future generation. The secondary target group will be youth workers, which includes any type of professionals working with young people, such as teachers, career counsellors, as well as any adult in charge of education or orientation.
