The activities of IO4 ran in parallel with those ones related to the IO3 and both played for the development of the pilot course. In particular, the IO4 aimed to strengthen the acquired high-tech T-shaped skills & competences with an exchange of knowledge and good practices by involving experts from the Habitat and Tool Making sectors.
The process for the identification of the mentors started with a series of interviews done with technical experts already involved in previous activities. The partnership interviewed a total of 19 experts: 17 related to senior experts/workers with technical knowledge and skills, 2 related to senior experts/workers with transversal knowledge and skills and from the analysis of the answers, they defined the Senior Mentor Profile. At the same time, partners developed the Guidelines for mentors in order to give them tools and support for approaching the moments of sharing with the participants in the pilot course.
From the interviews, partners chose 16 Mentors in order to create open debates and the acquisition of knowledge through direct testimonies and non-formal sessions that took place both face-to-face and during webinars focused on specific topics in order to investigate aspects, and trends and perspectives of AM.
The mentors came from several working experiences and they represent both the company’s point of view, but also the academic approach to the AM or the experience offered by very high skilled technical services providers.
The mentors made an important and practical contribution because they could facilitate the learners to approach the field of Additive Manufacturing and promote not only technical knowledge but also essential personal, social and entrepreneurial skills.