Relaunch of EIA Working Group on Training and Education
On 15 October 2026, the European Irrigation Association (EIA) Working Group on Training and Education met to discuss the development of irrigation training, professional certification and opportunities for European cooperation.
The meeting brought together members with experience in irrigation businesses, education, technical training and water management. Participants shared the challenges they encounter in training irrigation professionals and explored how the EIA could support the development of skills across the sector. At the meeting were present Lori Cirefice (BJ Lamy); Benjamin Foulquier (Cultiv’Eau); Vincent Trottet (Frans arrosage); Damir Čizmek (Inaqua); Ruben Garcia (Rivulis); Xavier Eftimakis (Tensiometry); Cvejić, Rozalija (Univ. Lubjana); Federico Segato (Tuttoirrigazione); Rob Welke (Sustainable Pumping Institute); Bruno Molle (EIA).
Defining the EIA’s Approach to Irrigation Training
The Working Group discussed key questions that will help shape its future strategy and business model. These include whether the EIA should develop its own courses or provide a platform for training materials created by its members, and whether its initial focus should be on landscape irrigation, agricultural irrigation or both.
Members also considered the type of training that would best respond to sector needs: foundational skills such as irrigation design, installation and auditing, or more advanced topics including water sourcing, sensor-based scheduling, central control, and efficient operation and maintenance.
Other questions concerned how training should be delivered — directly to irrigation professionals or through the training of instructors — and whether online courses, in-person sessions or a combination of formats would be most effective. The group also discussed the potential value of a recognised professional certification based on assessment and renewal, compared with certificates of attendance.
Members were invited to provide short written responses to these questions to help inform the Working Group’s next steps.
Exploring an Erasmus+ Project
Federico Segato presented preparatory work for a potential Erasmus+ project focused on vocational education and training. The proposed application would be led by Hydriskills d.o.o. in Slovenia and submitted under the Erasmus+ KA220-VET call, expected in spring 2027. The project is currently being developed around an estimated budget of approximately €400,000.
Preparatory work includes verifying partner organisations’ registration on the EU portal, building links with Slovenian vocational agricultural institutes and universities, and identifying a specialist consultant to support the application. The group will continue developing the project outline with its Slovenian partners and assess the next steps once the call is published.
Sharing Experience and Identifying Training Needs
The meeting also provided an opportunity for members to share their experience of training and the challenges facing the irrigation sector.
Contributions highlighted the need for better training for irrigation installers and end users, the uneven quality and uptake of existing courses, and the importance of updating technical standards to reflect water and energy efficiency. Members also shared examples of training delivered through companies, educational institutions and demonstration sites.
The discussion pointed to the value of cooperation between industry and education, as well as the potential role of certification and vocational micro-credentials in supporting professional skills and recognising competence.
Looking Ahead
The Working Group will continue developing its training strategy and the Erasmus+ project proposal. A follow-up meeting is planned for 11 November 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Bologna, during EIMA, to present the emerging strategy and discuss the preparation of the project application.
The meeting marked a further step in EIA’s work to strengthen irrigation knowledge and skills, and to explore collaborative approaches to professional training across Europe.
Minutes drafted by the Working Group.