CoRe 5G

CoRe 5G unites 22 beneficiaries and 8 associated partners across 7 countries to design vocational excellence for the next generation of telecom professionals. The project aims to strengthen Europe's digital resilience by addressing critical skills shortages in 5G networks, cybersecurity and sustainable telecommunications. By equipping professionals with industry-relevant expertise, the project will support more secure, reliable and energy-efficient digital infrastructure, strengthen European competitiveness and create new employment opportunities in the telecommunications sector.

Over the next four years, the project will establish Innovation Labs featuring advanced 5G testing environments and digital twin technologies, while supporting upskilling and reskilling programmes designed to prepare professionals for the evolving digital economy. The project will build a connected network of regional Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) across seven European countries. Together, they will deliver:

• A modular, industry-aligned curriculum on resilient and sustainable 5G
• Innovation Labs and digital-twin learning environments in every CoVE region
• A pan-European Skills Observatory tracking 5G workforce demand
• Industry partnerships, mobility actions and micro-credentials
• Policy engagement on European VET, digital and green skills agendas
• Inclusion of SMEs, women and under-represented groups in 5G careers

• Coordinator: OTE – Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (Greece)
• 22 beneficiaries + 8 associated partners (30 organisations in total)
• Budget: 4 M € ​
• Start: 1 May 2026​
• End: 1 May 2030

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CoRe 5G will establish seven Innovation Labs equipped with 5G testbeds and digital twin environments, train over 500 professionals and develop modular training programmes and recognised micro-credentials. 

Additional outputs include at least 25 industry partnerships, cross-border learning opportunities and a European Skills Observatory to monitor emerging workforce needs. It will also create a transnational ecosystem for vocational excellence and develop skills for future 6G technology, bringing together education providers, research institutions and industry stakeholders to develop practical, future-oriented learning pathways.

The project will operate through seven regional Centres of Vocational Excellence in Belgium, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain and Slovenia. These centres will provide practical training, testing facilities and industry collaboration tailored to regional skills needs.