BACKGROUND & CHALLENGES The trend within the European manufacturing sector towards Advanced Manufacturing systems has highlighted the skill gap between workers' numerical skills and workplace requirements in modern facilities. Workers nowadays are expected to both understand and perform math calculations, and to have a basic understanding of concepts and processes of algebra and trigonometry. This has become evident with the proliferation of Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines and processes. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of candidate and existing workers (approximately 20%) have inadequate numerical skills, failing to meet workplace demands. AIMS & OBJECTIVES The NAMA project aims to: a) enhance the numerical skills of candidate and existing workers, and b) increase the relevance of initial and continuous VET with the Advanced Manufacturing sector. Four specific objectives have been set: 1. To support existing and future training courses and apprenticeships with the development of guidelines. 2. To foster the provision of numerical skills to workers, by developing and making available industry-validated open access educational resources and innovative ICT tools. 3. To develop, test, and promote innovative mobile apps for improving numerical skills and support personalised non-formal and informal learning. 4. To contribute to the implementation of EU policies on mobility and transparency in qualifications. THE NAMA PARTNERSHIP The NAMA partnership comprises 5 organisations from both the world of VET and Advanced Manufacturing. The University of Rzeszow (UR) is an expert in mathematics teaching and didactic research. The University of Sheffield - Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (USFD-AMRC) leads the research in Advanced Manufacturing processes and job training. The European Association of the Machine Tool Industries (CECIMO) represents sector needs at EU-wide level. PROMEA is an expert in R&D and delivery of innovative ICT-based methodologies for formal & informal learning. The School Complex of Continual Education in Rzeszow (ZSKU) has significant experience on post-secondary VET courses and practices, specialising in developing training curricula. ACTIVITIES & METHODOLOGY NAMA foresees the following activities and methodological approaches: 1. Production of VET guidelines with specifications on how to address numerical skills needs in Advanced Manufacturing, through field and desk research, involving members of target groups (learners, VET providers, sectoral stakeholders, & policy-makers). 2. Development of learning and (self-)assessment materials for the improvement of numerical skills, fostering both formal and informal learning. The partnership will employ adult learning pedagogy, focusing on the contextualisation of materials with workplace tasks and requirements, under EQF/ECVET standards. 3. Involvement of policy-makers for the certification & accreditation of numerical skills, through the endorsement of NAMA results by sectoral stakeholders. 4. Sharing and validation of outputs with multiplier events, inviting target groups to uptake NAMA results and act as further disseminators. 5. Organisation of a training activity for trainers, focused on hands-on training and the evaluation of learning outcomes with assessment tools. RESULTS & IMPACT The NAMA project is expected to have the following results and corresponding impact: 1. A VET guidelines report to increase the relevance of VET offerings with the labour market, supporting the offerings of at least 500 VET providers. 2. 4 sets of learning units, a Massive Open Online Course, and 2 mobile apps to empower initial and continuous VET learners with numerical skills required in the workplace, and motivate low-skilled adults/early school leavers to seek participation in VET (at least 1100 individuals in total). 3. An exhibition event in the largest sectoral event in Europe - EMO 2015, 3 training pilots, and 4 infodays (at least 600 attendees). 4. A Memorandum of Understanding endorsed by at least 25 sectoral stakeholders, and a sectoral position paper to be read by at least 15 policy-makers, supporting their sector-related VET policies. POST-PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY 1.Development of new training courses based on NAMA materials from VET providers across the EU. 2.Participation of a growing number of initial and continuous VET learners in courses based on NAMA outputs. 3.Expansion of the strategic partnership towards a network of collaborating VET and Advanced Manufacturing stakeholders, including enterprises, in-house training centres, and large VET providers with manufacturing infrastructures, to reinforce the ties between education and labour market. 4.Further maturing and development of certification and & accreditation policies influenced by NAMA recommendations.