this contribution, we will mention some of them just to illustrate some examples where substantial progress is foreseen in the coming years: Individual Learning Accounts, Micro-credentials, Centres of Vocational Excellence, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships and the Pact for Skills.
the world’s first climate-neutral continent, enhancing the competitiveness of Europe’s net-zero industry. To achieve this ambitious vision, a skilled workforce is essential. By investing in skills training and upskilling for the green transition, the EU aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and competencies needed to drive sustainable innovation and green job creation. Up to 2.5 million additional jobs in 2030 are expected to be created in the EU economy thanks to the European Green Deal. According to forecasts by EU agency Cedefop, jobs will be particularly created in sectors such as water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities, construction and electricity. Beyond the immediate objectives, the EU’s focus on skills is driven by the broader aim of enhancing the long-term competitiveness of the European Union. In an increasingly globalized and digitalized world, the ability to adapt, innovate, and acquire new skills is a fundamental driver of economic growth and prosperity. Over the past few months, the largest economies in the world (such as the US, China or Japan) have announced massive investments in green innovation. The worldwide clean technology race is in full swing and this is a race in which the EU needs to compete. By prioritizing skills development, the EU aims to strengthen its position as a global leader in innovation, research, and development. Equipping its workforce with the skills necessary for the digital age and the green transition is a keyway for the EU to attract investments, drive entrepreneurship, and foster sustainable economic growth.
and we see that technical profiles are increasingly in high demand. To ensure that VET lives up to its potential, we have launched the Centres of Vocational Excellence. The centres develop local “skills ecosystems”, working closely with businesses including SMEs, and contribute to regional development, entrepreneurship, innovation, industrial clusters, and smart specialisation strategies. Through Erasmus+, we are investing EUR 400 million in the period 2021-2027 to develop networks of centres of vocational excellence across and outside the EU. The centres specialise in different areas of activity, from healthcare to artificial intelligence, to water technology and urban greening. Spain for instance is very active in these initiatives, in particular in the areas of advanced manufacturing, furniture and wood, and sustainable habitat.
Making training accessible and recognizable to all
Lack of time for training, the cost of training, and limited awareness regarding the necessity and availability of training present significant barriers to upskilling and reskilling. In order to make training more accessible to all, the EU has been exploring innovative approaches such as individual learning accounts and micro-credentials. Individual learning accounts (ILAs) are seek to put people in charge of their own training choices to support their professional development. Under this approach, individuals would have access to a dedicated account, funded by a combination of public and private contributions, which they can use to finance their education and training needs. ILAs offer individuals the freedom to choose from a variety of accredited learning providers, allowing them to pursue training programs that align with their interests and career goals. When implemented by countries, the individual learning accounts would provide working-age people with a budget for training to improve their skills and employability, beyond the labour market status (employed, unemployed, independent, platform worker, etc). ILAs also promote flexibility, as learners can access training programs at different stages of their lives, adapting to their evolving professional needs. Micro-credentials are also a tool to empower individuals by giving them a greater control over their learning journey. Micro-credentials are a way of developing short and targeted training programmes and certify the specific skills acquired through these focused learning opportunities. These credentials provide individuals with a means to better showcase their skills to potential employers and to complement more traditional degrees or certifications, especially with a view to reskilling or updating one’s skills, which is increasingly needed especially in fast-changing sectors. By breaking down learning into specific units, people can build their credentials progressively, demonstrating their expertise in areas of high demand. This targeted approach also be actively used by employers, workers representatives and public authorities, in cooperation with public and private providers, to develop targeted training to promote a more efficient match between talent and labour market needs.
Collaboration and partnerships
To maximize the impact of skills development efforts, collaboration and partnerships are fundamental. In order to facilitate information sharing, successful practices, and the establishment of contacts among relevant actors, the EU have implemented certain networks, such as the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) and the Pact for Skills. The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) acts as a platform bringing together governments, chambers, vocational education and training (VET) providers, regions, youth representatives, think tanks, and social partners. Its primary objective is to enhance the quality, accessibility, and reputation of apprenticeships across Europe. Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity for young individuals to acquire practical skills and valuable work experience. Since 2013, over one million apprenticeships places have been pledged by the almost 400 members of the Alliance, out of which 40 come from Spain. As promoting European mobility of apprentices is also one of the objectives of the Alliance, since 2019 over 7000 cross-border apprentice placements have been pledged. For its part, the Pact for Skills brings together various stakeholders on European, national, regional, and local levels, including government authorities, public institutions, employment services, education and training providers, and private companies. The aim of the Pact for Skills is to encourage public and private organizations to collaborate and take concrete action towards upskilling and reskilling individuals in Europe. Since its launch in November 2020, the initiative has garnered significant support, with close to 1500 individual organizations and 18 large-scale partnerships in strategic sectors. Together, they have committed to offer up- and reskilling opportunities for at least 10 million people of working age across the EU in the coming years.
Conclusion
The European Year of Skills embedded in a broader Skills Agenda showcases the EU focus on skills development and its commitment to empowering individuals, enhancing employability, and driving sustainable growth. Through actions such as Individual Learning Accounts, Micro-credentials, Centres of Vocational Excellence, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships or the Pact for Skills, the EU aims to create a more inclusive, adaptable, and skilled workforce. Furthermore, by integrating skills development into the broader context of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the EU positions itself as a leader in the global transition towards a sustainable future. By investing in green skills and promoting the long-term competitiveness of the EU, skills development becomes a catalyst for growth, innovation, and social cohesion. As we embark on the Year of Skills, it is crucial for individuals, businesses, and policymakers to recognize the value of skills development and actively engage in the collaborative efforts put forth by the European Union. By equipping ourselves with the necessary skills, we can shape a more prosperous, but also fairer, more sustainable, and resilient Europe for generations to come.
Skills for a sustainable future
Vocational excellence and local innovation
In line with its commitment to sustainability, the EU recognises the crucial role of skills development in achieving the goals of the European Green Deal. The Green Deal Industrial Plan seeks to accelerate the transformation of Europe into
Vocational education and training (VET) is the sector of education that is closest to the labour market. It is at the forefront of providing relevant skills and qualifications to successfully drive forward the digital and green transitions,
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