The “European learning innovation for sustainable training” (ELIST) project aimed at proving answers to two specific emerging needs in EU rural areas:a) the development and consolidation of entrepreneurial competences (knowledge, skills and attitude) in rural populations, creating new pathways for employment with non-formal and informal learning activities;b) contribute to a positive impact on local development in a sustainable way, considering the environment, the economy and the social context.ELIST addressed a competences shortage and mismatch of quality personnel on the European labour market in the next few years, namely young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector considering the situation of an ageing population. Improving the quantity and quality of personnel in the agricultural sector has been a key factor to contribute to the rural development taking in consideration challenges in a variety of fields such as food security, health, proper management, migrants integration, sustainable development goals, gender equality, to name but a few. ELIST provided the design of a training course comprising a curriculum, a blended learning training method (residential and e-learning), an open access internet networking platform (available on www.e-list.eu), and guidelines for multipliers and for ECVET framework practitioners. Non formal and informal adult learning in rural and peripheral areas (mainly in agriculture sector and related activities, and in tourism) was the key topic addressed through a practical tool to answer to the emerging jobs demand. Capability building was provided to the young working population, through the accurate preparation, development and enhancement of learning activities, and a mentoring programme for mentors and mentees.The selected target group was represented by: 1) young managers in the sector of agriculture and agri-food, peripheral agriculture, and tourism; 2) young people and women from rural and urban periphery; 3) adult learning practitioners. ELIST provided a key innovative outcome in the field of adult learning thus the learning methodologies were specifically adapted to the anticipated target group according to their level of formal education, work experience and previously evaluated existing competences.Tangible outcomes were obtained according to the following four (4) specific key activities: 1) mapping, scooping and surveying on current competences mismatch and shortage within the rural population; 2) structure a pilot training programme for entrepreneurs and people looking forward to turn entrepreneurs (rural areas, farm and non-farm sectors), based on the principles of sustainable development (environment, economic and social contexts), comprising the definition of key competences (curriculum), and the identification of innovative learning methods to train on sustainable development suitable for adult learners (supported by evaluations on the pilot training programme); 3) provide capacity building of rural population and communities (with the support of a mentoring programme); 4) build a cooperation plan between policy-makers (public authorities), VET providers in general, organisations representative of the referred sector, as well as active civil society organisations (CSO).Summarizing, ELIST aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship activity among rural populations by providing innovative learning tools, as well as creating the conditions for young urban populations to migrate to rural areas, thus will foster employability and mobility of targeted groups, with hands-on and inclusive learning method to improve their competences (knowledge, skills and behaviour), addressing emerging practices on the topic of sustainable development in the rural sector, with tangible outcomes at the EU level such as in-service training courses.