The INSPIRE Needs Analysis Validation Final Report consolidates the findings of desk research and surveys addressing two complementary areas: industry needs and competence requirements for hydrogen pipeline welding inspection, and the opportunities and needs of the VET sector regarding digital training provision. The analysis identifies gaps in hydrogen-specific training and inspector competences, while also examining digital training capacity and the opportunities and barriers associated with integrating AR/VR and other digital tools into welding inspection training. The findings support the need for modular training addressing hydrogen-specific materials, safety, inspection and NDT requirements, while maintaining hands-on learning as a core component. The identified needs provided an evidence base for the subsequent development of the INSPIRE Competence Units and training resources.

The INSPIRE Focus Group brought together representatives from the VET and industry sectors to validate the findings of the project’s desk research and stakeholder surveys on welding inspection training for hydrogen pipelines. The discussions confirmed the need for hydrogen-specific competences, particularly in material behaviour, hydrogen embrittlement, inspection techniques and safety. Participants also highlighted the importance of practical, field-oriented training and considered digital tools such as AR/VR valuable as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, hands-on learning. The Focus Group provided recommendations on training content, competence development, industry-VET collaboration and upskilling pathways, providing stakeholder validation and practical input for the subsequent development of INSPIRE training resources.

This result presents the framework developed within INSPIRE to support the modularisation of the European Welding Inspector (EWI) Guideline. Building on the EWF methodology for qualifications design, the framework explores how Competence Units and learning outcomes can be used to create more flexible and adaptable training pathways. It describes the modularisation approach, the structure and design of Competence Units, and its application to the EWI qualification, while also considering the potential role of micro-credentials in vocational education and training. The resulting framework provides a basis for integrating specialised training in response to emerging industry needs, including hydrogen pipeline welding inspection, while supporting upskilling, lifelong learning and the progressive recognition of learning achievements.

INSPIRE developed specialised training to support the upskilling of professionals involved in welding inspection, testing and quality assurance of hydrogen pipeline systems. The training addresses hydrogen-specific competence needs related to materials, safety and inspection activities.

The result comprises two independent Competence Units: H₂ Material Integrity and Safety and Inspection and Testing for Hydrogen Pipelines. The modular structure allows the units to be used as standalone upskilling training or within broader welding inspection training schemes.

The training combines theoretical and case-based learning with practical inspection scenarios and Augmented Reality (AR) activities developed within INSPIRE, providing an innovative and industry-oriented approach to training professionals for hydrogen pipeline inspection.

The INSPIRE project developed a practical guide to support VET providers in the integration of Augmented Reality (AR) into welding inspection training. The guide provides a structured framework for introducing AR-supported learning while ensuring that technology complements existing theoretical and hands-on training approaches.

The resource addresses the main organisational, pedagogical and technical aspects of implementation, including infrastructure and equipment, data protection, health and safety, accessibility, pedagogical integration, trainer preparation, quality assurance and institutional readiness. It also provides a step-by-step implementation roadmap covering planning, piloting, evaluation and scaling of AR-supported training.

The guide supports VET centres and trainers in making informed decisions about the adoption of AR and in creating sustainable, accessible and learner-centred immersive training environments.

INSPIRE developed a set of case studies to support scenario-based training in hydrogen pipeline welding inspection. The case studies translate the knowledge and competences addressed by the INSPIRE Competence Units into realistic professional situations, requiring learners to analyse information, identify hydrogen-specific risks, interpret inspection evidence and make justified decisions. They address key aspects of hydrogen pipeline inspection, including safety, applicable standards, weld defects, inspection methods and integrity-related decision-making. A common structure links each scenario to learning objectives, technical inputs, inspection workflows, decision points and formative assessment activities. Potential Augmented Reality (AR) interaction points are also identified, providing a structured basis for adapting the scenarios into interactive and immersive training experiences.

The INSPIRE project developed Augmented Reality (AR) training scenarios and exercises to support practical learning in hydrogen pipeline welding inspection. Linked to the INSPIRE Competence Units, the scenarios address health and safety, visual testing and penetrant testing through structured activities combining real inspection tasks with hands-free digital guidance.

The scenarios guide learners through inspection sequences, observations, measurements and decision-making while supporting formative feedback and the recording of training evidence. They complement theoretical learning and practical training rather than replacing formal assessment requirements.

The scenarios are documented in a platform-independent format, supporting their future adaptation and reuse by VET providers using different AR technologies. This result contributes to a more digital, flexible and practice-oriented approach to welding inspection training.

The INSPIRE National Pilot Courses Implementation Plan provides a common framework for preparing and delivering the project’s pilot training activities across participating countries. It defines the organisational, technical and pedagogical arrangements required to support a consistent implementation of the INSPIRE training approach, while allowing adaptation to national VET contexts. The plan covers participant and trainer preparation, training agendas, Competence Unit delivery, AR-supported activities, facilities and equipment, evaluation tools, data collection and supporting documentation. It also includes practical resources and checklists to facilitate pilot delivery and trainer readiness. By establishing a harmonised implementation framework, the plan supports the structured testing of the INSPIRE training resources and the collection of evidence and feedback for the subsequent evaluation of the pilot courses.

INSPIRE implemented pilot training activities to assess the training approach developed for hydrogen pipeline welding inspection and gather feedback from learners and trainers. The pilots tested the project’s Competence Units and the use of Augmented Reality (AR) as a supporting training tool in different VET contexts. This report presents the main findings from the pilot evaluation, covering participant satisfaction, learning and assessment results, perceptions of AR-supported training, and feedback from trainers. Based on the evidence collected across the pilot activities, the report identifies lessons learned, areas for improvement and practical recommendations for integrating AR into vocational training. The findings provide a basis for refining the INSPIRE training resources and informing future implementation of AR-supported welding inspection training.