1

Why the project matters

The Mediterranean region is rich in cultural heritage but suffers from underemployment and educational mismatches, particularly in rural or disadvantaged areas. Many young people, women, and young people Not in Employment, Education and Training (NEETs) struggle to access quality training linked to local economic needs. According to studies, this skills mismatch contributes to high youth unemployment and economic disparities across the region. By aligning Cultural Heritage education with labour market demands and digital innovation, DIEM tackles both educational and socioeconomic exclusion.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To develop and test new training paths focused on cultural heritage, equipping professionals with skills that are not yet widely taught in standard education systems.
• To create a cooperative, cross-country model for training that supports future managers and professionals working in the cultural heritage sector across the Mediterranean.
• To remove barriers – such as digital, economic, and language obstacles – for vulnerable people, ensuring they have access to practical education and training that is inclusive, scalable, and easy to replicate.

3

Expected change

• Improved alignment between education and job market needs in the cultural heritage sector, reducing skills mismatches across Mediterranean countries.
• Increased employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups, especially young people, women, and rural residents.
• Strengthened social inclusion through better access to training, education, and career paths in cultural heritage and related sectors.

4

What the project delivers

• Training of Trainers (ToT) program for 85 site managers and professors (Group A).
• Cascade training for 110 unemployed humanities graduates (Group B) delivered by Group A.
• Skills development for 560 vulnerable individuals (Group C) via local training and mobile DIEM Hubs.
• A multilingual e-learning toolkit and inclusion strategy for Cultural Heritage-based education.
• Local management plans and communication strategies for 10 pilot Cultural Heritage sites.
• Public-private collaboration via workshops, events, and Cultural Heritage valorisation campaigns.

5

Who benefits

• 85 managers and professors trained to international Cultural Heritage standards (Group A).
• 110 young humanities graduates prepared for careers in Cultural Heritage management (Group B).
• 560 individuals (women, NEETs, rural youth) gaining new skills and job opportunities (Group C).
• Public authorities and municipalities improving Cultural Heritage and training services.
• Cultural enterprises and NGOs benefiting from skilled workers and community engagement.
• Universities and research centers aligning Cultural Heritage education with real-world labour demands.