Skills for a world in transition
Lifelong learning and skills development are not optional for citizens, workplaces and societies in a rapidly and dramatically changing world. They are essential to innovate economies and societies and exploit the green and digital transitions, prepare people for the continuous changes they can expect to their work, lives and the world around them. Upskilling and reskilling, active labour market measures for youth employment, or measures to ensure fair labour migration are just some of the ways which we present in this month's edition of Learning Connects to ensure the development of skills are fit for purpose in a transforming world.
Moreover, personal, social and technical skills are needed to keep pace and interpret the world around us so that no one is left behind or alienated, which is especially important at a time when democratic processes are under threat through misinformation and disinformation; support inclusion especially for the disadvantaged and vulnerable; support and sustain national and local economies through skills development and labour market access within a globalised world and help avoid brain drain.
Drawing upon the EU's strategic and policy priorities for skills development, which have received an added impetus with 2023 being declared the European Year of Skills, the ETF is engaging with countries in the EU's neighbouring regions to support them in their education and training system reform efforts. Policy advice and targeted actions in response to countries needs, such as support for innovating the education and training curricula, the recognition of qualifications, the professional development of teachers and trainers, work-based learning arrangements, labour market research and analysis, support for social dialogue and good governance, and networks for good practice sharing and peer learning such as the Innovative Educators and the ETF Network of Excellence, are ways in which the ETF is delivering its mandate. Regular gathering of skills intelligence through system level monitoring and evaluation of policy reform through the Torino Process and other frameworks, and support for policy adaptation, underscore all ETF actions.
This edition of Learning Connects begins with insights from a recent live discussion on the challenges and opportunities presented by the digitalisation of work. Good practice examples, minimum standards, and ways to integrate digitalisation into national skills strategies are just some of the highlights. This is followed by highlights from a similar event on the importance of engaging teachers in social dialogue to manage the green and digital transitions within education and training systems.
Other topics explored and guided by the expertise of ETF specialists include the importance of skills for innovation and technology transfer, and how to ensure EU labour migration is a success for migrants and sending and receiving countries based on the latest developments.
Be sure to review the ‘4 facts’ on the European Year of Skills and check out ‘What’s on in May' so that you can join the discussions and steps to ensure education and skills development is abreast of the changes in the world around us.