‘Making Skills Count’ for a sustainable and inclusive future

'We've declared a year of skills, but what we need is a decade or more!' Commissioner Schmit's resounding call for long-term investment in skills development echoed throughout the 'Making Skills Count' conference held in Brussels in early June as a key event on the European Year of Skills calendar. The event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to look at the importance of skills in navigating the challenges of the green and digital transition.

In today's dynamic world, the significance of skills cannot be overstated. From addressing employment gaps to tackling the green and digital transition, skills development and creating opportunities for all have become urgent priorities. Commissioner Schmit emphasised the need for sustained commitment, urging attendees to think beyond short-term initiatives and envision a future where skills development is a long-term exercise.

'Skills have always been on our agenda, but now there’s more awareness. The speed of change is extreme and Europe is running out of skilled people,' he said.

The conference examined the role of skills in addressing the challenges of climate change and the digital revolution. With millions of jobs at risk in carbon-intensive sectors, it is essential that people’s competences are not lost. Reskilling and upskilling programmes, coupled with lifelong learning, are powerful tools to enable individuals to unlock their potential in new and emerging areas. Recent ETF studies further highlight the urgency, projecting the need for continuous learning and retraining for more digital jobs, as well as massive increases in the numbers of people carrying out platform work. This underscores the need for personal investment and to dispel fears associated with change.

The impact of IT, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence on jobs was another topic of discussion. Amidst the uncertainties, experts acknowledged the need for major skills adjustments and a transition to higher-level competences. Contrary to concerns about job loss, the digital transformation presents an opportunity to create new roles, such as the growing demand for cybersecurity specialists. Upskilling and reskilling were identified as key factors, with a focus on instilling a lifelong learning mindset among individuals.

Throughout the conference, remarkable success stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds showcased the transformative power of reskilling and upskilling. These stories demonstrated that with clear job and career aims, individuals can achieve personal and professional growth, experience increased life satisfaction, and find a sense of personal accomplishment.

Recognising the broader spectrum of employees' skills emerged as an important message for employers. Commissioner Schmit underscored the significance of companies investing in the skills development of their workforce to enhance competitiveness while upholding the European social model. By assessing and maximising the potential of their employees, companies can achieve better outcomes for both individuals and organisations.

Trade unions were highlighted as important partners in managing the transition and ensuring fairness in the face of labour market changes. Social dialogue and avoiding layoffs were emphasised as a means of cushioning the social impact and maintaining inclusivity throughout the transition process.

Young people also have to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape. By remaining open and considering professions and qualifications in demand, young individuals can successfully navigate the evolving job market. Staying connected to education, employment, and career growth opportunities will be crucial.

Several initiatives showcased practical solutions for skills development. Valeriya Ionan, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation, introduced the 'Diia' platform, which aims to create a digital ecosystem for e-public administration, paperless procedures, and education and training opportunities. Pilvi Torsti, ETF Director, chaired a panel on skills for the green and digital transition and for net-zero industry. Panellists showcased green upskilling and reskilling programmes linked to renewable energy investment. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), represented by their Head of Skills Analysis and Policies, Glenda Quintini, emphasised the importance of a broader range of skills beyond digital and green competences.

'The skills we are seeing as not automatable in the future remain at a very high level. We’re talking about creativity, about high level management, about social interactions, including skills like teamwork,' she explained.

European Commission Vice-President, Margaritis Schinas, concluded the 'Making Skills Count' conference with a powerful message, urging a shift in discussions and closer alignment with implementation at different levels. He emphasised the importance of building on the European Year of Skills to further skills development, share future-oriented solutions, and secure the right talents for Europe's digital and green transformation. In his concluding remarks, he stated:

'By embracing a lifelong learning mindset, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, and providing tailored support, Europe can confidently stride towards a sustainable and inclusive future.'