'Become a Maker' Project & MakerHUB Technobel - Belgium

Technobel is ‎a Belgian competence centre, located in the region of Wallonia, which specialises in IT professions, roles and training and provides support to employees in companies, universities, and jobseekers to receive practical training in digital technologies, which is technical and based on an innovative methodological approach. The 'We are Makers' project of Technobel is set within the context of a constantly changing training landscape - and this is very much the case when it comes to digital and ICT skills. 

Background and aims 

If the world we work in is constantly changed by digital technologies, then the need to update training material frequently so it remains relevant is a priority. The world of training is also changing and undergoes disruptions. Under the 'We are Makers' pedagogical model, launched in 2018 under the name 'Be a Maker' and further developed into its current form, the MakerHUB is a space to freely experiment with cutting-edge digital equipment (computers and telecom equipment, 3D printers, digital cutters/engravers - CNC, vinyl or laser type, graphics tablets, programmable electronic cards or all the  equipment necessary for prototyping) and receive guidance from experts on different subject topics. 

The MakerHUB also integrates Technobel's training content for specific digital professions, like hands-on workshops in the Eliot and Cybersecurity catalogues, or theoretical training and practical implementation courses. The MakerHUB is available in three formats tailored to different audiences:

• MakerHUB — for jobseekers and students at Technobel, enabling them to put into practice the technologies they are training in through the creation of concrete, functional prototypes, and to validate their competences through a jury of professionals at the end of training.
• MakerHub Edu — for schools and teachers, who need to upskill to integrate digital technologies and innovation within teaching and learning processes, with the goal of co-creating innovative pedagogical scenarios for the classroom.
• MakerHUB PRO — for companies and their employees, offering a laboratory for digital experimentation, prototyping and the development of innovative products and services, combining training, mentoring and expert support.

Why is this a good practice? 

The Belgian MakerHUB and the 'We are Makers' project present jobseekers and employees looking to gain new skills and change occupations with a catalogue with recognised professional trainings on specific topics, like AI, cybersecurity, software languages and others. MakerHUB provides an environment that promotes collaboration and the building of networks between all participants, helping innovative ideas take shape. 

All training content is based on Technobel's pedagogical framework, which aims to recognise the continuous update of digital technologies and reflects the fast-paced nature of change at the same time. Coupled with enhanced individual support, the MakerHUB allows job seekers to precisely identify their training needs to achieve their professional goals.

The 'We are Makers' pedagogical model is the result of extensive research for almost 10 years. The model has brought clear improvements , the result of an educational trip of nearly 10 years, allowed the Technobel Center to achieve: ‎

• ‎a 35% increase in the rate of integration after training,‎
• ‎a 75% decrease in absenteeism,‎
• ‎a 60% decrease in the dropout rate,‎
• ‎a 39% increase in the number of companies involved in training courses. ‎

In 2025, Technobel was awarded the "Committed to Excellence" certificate by the European Training Foundation (ETF), recognising it as an exemplary vocational education and training provider in ICT skills in the ETF's Registry of Certified Vocational Excellence Providers. The award specifically highlighted the 'We Are Makers' pedagogical model as an example of Technobel's capacity to innovate and adapt to technological change.