Erasmus+ KA2 Agreement n° 2016-1-IE01-KA202-016879
General description
SMILE is an EU Erasmus+ funded project led by MEAG in Ireland.
The SMILE project is based on our researched report on incorporating needs analysis for partner countries and EU in brewing field and a gap analysis of the deficiencies in the existing VET provision, as well as outlining the new curricula to be developed through this project
Facts and figures
- Europe is home to over 6, 517 breweries with its huge diversity of brands and styles
- Employed 129,830 people, generating around 2 million jobs and 50 billion Euros in government tax revenues
- Brewing sector is a major contributor to the European economy & support EU’s goals to cut down youth unemployment & enhance their competitiveness.
(According to the study conducted by the Brewers of Europe in 2014)
- ¾ breweries are expecting an increase this year (+15%)
- 83% expected to create one or more jobs
- 77% wished to invest in staff training
(According to the research by the Society of Independent Brewers SIBA in 2015)
Main objectives
The aim of the project is to support the burgeoning Craft Beer/ Micro Brewery Industry and establish successful and sustainable brewing businesses in Europe in partnership.
Key principles
- To help develop the business skills of micro-brewers to sustain enterprise and employment,
- To help train brewers to develop leadership and responsibility in relation to food safety and hygiene,
- To improve the mobility of brewery workers in Europe,
- To reinforce knowledge of the important link between, brewing, agriculture and the natural environment,
- To support sharing and exchange of knowledge and skills in the fields of brewing, malting and fermentation science,
- To develop the competences and competitiveness of the European micro brewing sector and further encourage the positive contribution that European beer can make to the economy,
- To encourage the ongoing improvement and dissemination of best available practices and techniques in respect of sustainability within the brewing sector,
- To support the EU’s drive towards sustainable consumption and production,
- To create new job opportunities and the encouragement of entrepreneurship.
Main outputs of the project
- An industry research report incorporating needs analysis for the industry for partner countries and EU as a whole, and gap analysis of the deficiencies in the existing VET provision, and outlining the new curricula to be developed through the SMILE project,
- Accredited ‘apprenticeship-type’ training programme (included developed curricula, and training materials incorporating e-learning modules, classroom modules an work placement modules),
- A website to support the training and a newly established European Micro-Brewers network
Meetings schedule
- The kick-off meeting (13rd & 14th Feb 2017, Ireland)
- The 2nd meeting (26th Jun 2017, Sicily Italy)
- The 3rd meeting (11th & 12th Dec 2017, Czech Republic)
- The 4th meeting (28th &29th June 2018, UK)
- The 5th meeting – Closing (22nd of November, Belgium)
Multiplier Event SMILE (Italy)
Project’s partner
Meag – Ireland
Dramblys (social creativity lab) – Albacete, Spain
Glafka s.r.o. – Prague, Czech Republic
EProjectConsult / Associazione Artistica Culturale “A Rocca” – Italy
European Brewery Convention / Brewers of Europe
Inn Training – Uk England
