The AILEEN project brings together a network of organisations from seven European countries (Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom and Turkey), representing both education providers and industry, who share the same commitment of cooperating in a systematic way. AILEEN focuses on providing specialised sectoral training, transferring localised and technical knowledge in advanced manufacturing, particularly within the aerospace and defence sector.
The project aims to create Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) for Advanced Manufacturing (AM) across Europe, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for industry growth and innovation.
The establishment of CoVEs for Advanced Manufacturing in Aerospace & Defence is strongly linked to the Aerospace & Defence skills needs for qualified personnel to perform advanced manufacturing (e.g., brazing, welding, additive manufacturing) inspection and coordinate manufacturing activities.
AILEEN also seeks to implement recognised EU qualification systems in Welding and Additive Manufacturing using a modular approach. It utilises existing EU transparency frameworks such as EQF, ECVET, EURES, EQAVET, and ESCO to enhance and standardise training standards. Central to AILEEN's training activities are Work-Based Learning (WBL) approaches and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies, emphasising practical skills and hands-on experiences. Additionally, the project harnesses digital tools like Augmented/Virtual Reality training to leverage EU advanced manufacturing initiatives.
Commencing in June 2023, AILEEN is a 4-year project that unites 18 esteemed partners, all committed to bolstering the Aerospace and Defence sector.
AILEEN will focus on creating an international synergy and addressing the need to train qualified personnel in the aerospace and defence sectors. AILEEN aims to contribute for VET transnational mobility and sustainable partnerships throughout the development of the project by involving EU Aerospace & Defence AM industry, VET entities and existent CoVEs in AILEEN activities. Furthermore, consolidate the ecosystem in Advanced Manufacturing for Aerospace & Defence to: encompass the regulations to become a nominated AILEEN CoVE, promote direct staff mobility between AILEEN CoVEs, create mechanisms for transferring Best Practices and project outcomes between Centres.
Brunel University of London Successfully Delivers Two (2) Competence Units on Welding and Metallic Materials
Brunel University of London delivered two in person training sessions at its campus, bringing together staff, students, and young talent to build their skills in two topics:
Advanced Welding Processes and Equipment in Aerospace and Defence Sectors (02-04 March 2026).
Advanced Metallic Materials in Aerospace and Defence Sectors (05-06 March 2026).
The sessions generated strong interest within the University’s community, as well as other UK academic and research institutions. Brunel successfully trained 29 participants across both courses, who undertook a tailored training assessment at the end of each training.
The three-day training on Advanced Welding Processes and Equipment introduced participants to fundamental and advanced concepts in welding. The training covered areas such as welding principles, types and applications, focusing on laser beam welding, special laser welding processes, electron beam and frictional stir welding, automation and monitoring of welding processes.
The two-day training on Advanced Metallic Materials introduced participants to advanced knowledge of aluminium, titanium and nickel alloys, including their material properties, welding characteristics and applications as important metallic materials in the aerospace and defence sectors.
The training activities align with the AILEEN project’s objectives under the relevant Work Package (WP) 6 focused on fostering and implementing the desired AILEEN ecosystem. The training directly contributes to AILEEN’s aims at upskilling the workforce in manufacturing, and supports the broader project aims related to capacity building and Competence Unit content and curriculum piloting, as defined by the consortium.
Meet the Principal Investigator(s) for the project
Dr Selami Cifter - Abdusselam Selami Cifter is a Senior Lecturer in Design for Manufacture and Sustainability in Brunel Design School. He received his bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Istanbul/Turkiye. In 2008, he received a Postgraduate Study Abroad Grant from the Turkish Board of Higher Education, and joined Brunel University’s (London/UK) Human-Centered Design Institute as a PhD researcher. His PhD research investigated both lay users’ characteristics and designers’ perspectives regarding home-use medical devices, and provided information and suggestions to address user needs and expectations.
After completing his PhD, Abdusselam returned to Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Department of Industrial Design and became Assistant Professor in 2014 and Associate Professor in 2018. In 2024, he left his position at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and joined the Brunel School of Design at Brunel University in London. He has been involved in several research/design projects in the areas of medical devices, inclusive design, the collaboration with university and civil society organisations, and design education. His research interests are focused on inclusive design, human centred design, usability, medical device design and design for social innovation.
Related Research Group(s)
Additive Manufacturing and 4D Printing - The Additive Manufacturing and 4D Printing Research Group seeks to understand the fundamental aspects and applications of programmable materials through layer-wise methods of production.
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Project last modified 16/04/2026