At the round table discussion on advancing soft skills in the water sector across the EU and beyond, held in Niš, Serbia on March 14th, 2024 as part of SKILLS4WATER project, Adisa Ejubovic took the floor to present the WATERLINE project, emphasizing its role in developing crucial soft skills within the industry. As the representative from ACEEU in Germany, Adisa brought insightful perspectives to the table, shedding light on the added benefits of European projects for soft skill development.
WATERLINE, a prominent project within the realm of water sector projects, stands out for its comprehensive approach towards fostering soft skills among its participants. Adisa articulated the significance of these skills in complementing technical expertise, emphasizing that success in the water sector isn't solely reliant on technical proficiency but also on effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Drawing from her experience in managing the WATERLINE project, Adisa highlighted various strategies employed to nurture soft skills. Through tailored training modules, workshops, summer schools, forums and hackathons, WATERLINE facilitates an environment where participants can cultivate skills such as leadership, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication. Adisa underscored the importance of practical application, noting that participants engage in real-world scenarios, enabling them to refine their soft skills in a hands-on manner.
Furthermore, Adisa elaborated on the ripple effects of soft skill development within the water sector and beyond. Enhanced communication and collaboration among professionals not only streamline project execution but also foster innovation and resilience in addressing complex challenges faced by the industry. Adisa emphasized that investing in soft skills not only benefits individual career growth but also contributes to the overall advancement and sustainability of the water sector.
This presentation on the WATERLINE project underscored the pivotal role of European initiatives in nurturing soft skills within the water sector. Through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts, projects like WATERLINE are instrumental in equipping professionals with the multifaceted skill set necessary for navigating the evolving landscape of the industry.
