MeDCare, a three-year project funded by the Erasmus+ programme, has been launched to modernise vocational education in Tunisia’s healthcare and biomedical technology sectors. Six organisations from Italy, Spain and Tunisia will work together to develop a new qualification recognised across Europe, training technicians in medical technology and digital health.
Tunisia faces a twofold challenge. Healthcare professionals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad, while the health system itself urgently needs digital skills to keep pace with technological change. MeDCare addresses both issues by focusing on the institutions that train tomorrow’s workforce: vocational education and training (VET) providers.
At the heart of the project is a dual-recognition diploma for Medical Technology and Digital Health Care Technicians — an EQF level 5 qualification valid in both Tunisia and Italy, aligned with European standards and Industry 4.0 requirements. The training programme will incorporate virtual reality simulations for hands-on practice, an accessible e-learning platform and blockchain-based micro-credentials to certify acquired competences.
Beyond curriculum development, MeDCare includes training-of-trainers programmes in Italy and Spain, the establishment of dedicated laboratories in Tunisian VET centres and a pilot phase involving students and teachers directly.
The consortium brings together complementary expertise. Coordination lies with the Istituto Tecnico Superiore per le Nuove Tecnologie della Vita (ITS) in Bergamo, Italy, which specialises in higher technical education for the chemical, pharmaceutical and digital health sectors. Also from Italy, OpenCom (OPC) contributes research and training expertise, including an AI department focused on adaptive learning. Spain is represented by CIPFP Vicente Blasco Ibáñez (VBI) in Valencia, a Centre of Vocational Excellence with VR laboratories in the biotechnology field. On the Tunisian side, the project involves Elemtiez, a private VET institute in Jendouba with experience in dual-degree programmes; ATFP (Agence Tunisienne de Formation Professionnelle), the country’s largest public training organisation with 136 centres nationwide; and ATAS, an association supporting Tunisian workers in international mobility pathways. Clinique Les Anges in Tunis and Gruppo San Donato in Italy participate as associated partners.
The project will officially kick off with a consortium meeting in Jendouba from 16 to 18 February, hosted by Elemtiez. Partners will finalise the work plan and launch the first research phase on competence needs in Tunisia’s healthcare sector.
For updates on project activities and results: www.medcareproject.eu
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