How has the transition from the European Year of Youth to the European Year of Skills been instrumental in highlighting the significance of skills development in promoting youth employability and addressing the evolving demands/issues of the labor market?
«The units leading the work on the European Year of Skills in DG EMPL have been in close contact with the unit in DG EAC that lead the work on the European Year of Youth. Experience from the European Year of Youth has been considered in preparation of the Year of Skills and regular exchanges and fruitful collaboration with DG EAC are still ongoing. Further, the focus on young NEETs allows for continuity with the achievements of the European Year of Youth, which showed as a key conclusion how key it is to prepare EU’s youth for the future. Activating more young NEETs for the labour market and preparing EU’s youth to realise their full potential in the digital and green transitions is key in this regard».
Could you give us some examples of the key initiatives and actions undertaken by DG Employment to promote skills development during the European Year of Skills? How these efforts are contributing to enhance the employability of young people?
«Several of the legislative/non-legislative initiatives planned under the 2023 Commission’s Work Programme will be key milestones of the Year, given their direct links with the specific objectives of the Year. To quote the most relevant for youth employability, we have:
- two Commission proposals for Council Recommendations on the enabling factors for successful digital education and on improving the provision of digital skills;
- It comes together with the launch of the pilot for the European Digital Skills Certificate and the Launch of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy (18 April 2023);
- A Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on updated learning mobility framework, which aims at facilitating the mobility of learners;
- and a Reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships, in order to review the principles of the framework and address issues including fair remuneration and access to social protection;
Nonetheless, the Year will build on the many initiatives on up- and reskilling that have already been developed by the Commission. Therefore, the focus will be on implementation, increasing efforts and cooperation to ensure that existing instruments, programmes and funds deliver».
Considering the ever-changing nature of work and emerging skill requirements, what measures and strategies is DG Employment implementing to ensure that skills development initiatives are future- oriented, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving needs of the labor market?
«As part of the European Skills Agenda, Member States adopted two Council Recommendations proposed by the Commission on Vocational Education and Training (2020) and micro-credentials (2022) that are key to ensure future-oriented, adaptable and responsive training. The VET Council Recommendation encourages Member States to modernize their VET system, so it becomes agile, flexible, attractive for both young people and adults, and is able to cater for current and future labour market needs. Countries put together their national implementation plans that are currently being rolled out on the ground, most of the time with the support of EU funding (ESF+, RRF, etc). On the other hand, the Commission is promoting micro-credentials, meaning targeted short training courses, as an effective tool to get the workforce upskilled and reskilled on labour market needs».
Looking ahead, what are the future perspectives of DG Employment in terms of addressing the ongoing skills needs and challenges faced by young people? How does DG Employment envision collaborating with stakeholders, including employers, education providers, and youth organisations, to foster a sustainable and inclusive approach to skills development?
«DG EMPL is supporting stakeholder involvement in policy-making and implementation at all levels. When it comes to vocational education and training, stakeholders are regularly involved in policy discussions through the Advisory Committee on Vocational Training, and other expert groups on the topic. Another example relates to apprenticeships, the Commission set up the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, gathering member states, social partners, training providers, companies and other stakeholders to work together for more and better apprenticeships».
In the context of skills development, how does DG Employment prioritize and promote inclusion to ensure that young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing social or economic disadvantages, have equal access to quality training opportunities and are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the labor market?
«The Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2021-2030) proposes several initiatives relevant for young people. For example, Disability Employment Package aims at improving labour market outcomes of persons with disabilities. It focuses on all stages of employment and amongst others covers inclusive and accessible active labour market policy measures and career guidance services. It also provides specific guidance and examples on ensuring reasonable accommodation by career guidance services. The Strategy also invites the EU Member States to set up specific targets for participation in adult learning of persons with disabilities. Inclusive education has been put high on education agenda. One of the six axes of the European Education Area is dedicated to inclusive education and lifelong learning for all. To promote disability-inclusive education, Member States can use the opportunities offered by EU funding including the Erasmus+.
The Council Recommendation on adequate income support ensuring active inclusion calls on the Member States to safeguard effective access to minimum income for all persons lacking sufficient resources, including young people. At the same time, it recommends linking the receipt of minimum income benefits to strong labour market activation measures. Particular attention should be devoted to young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) at the risk of poverty or social exclusion by getting them back into education, training or the labour market within the shortest time possible».
Recognising the crucial role of mentors, trainers, and youth workers (whether employed and/or volunteers) in supporting skills development, how does DG Employment foster collaboration with these stakeholders to ensure effective guidance and mentorship for young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, and how does DG Employment support their capacity-building efforts in this field?
«The European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA) puts emphasis on the key role of teachers and trainers for quality learning. In-company trainers should cooperate closely with teachers and training institutions to provide guidance to apprentices and to ensure mutual and regular feed-back.
«The European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA) puts emphasis on the key role of teachers and trainers for quality learning. In-company trainers should cooperate closely with teachers and training institutions to provide guidance to apprentices and to ensure mutual and regular feed-back. Teachers, trainers and mentors, specially in micro-, small and medium-sized companies, should be supported to update their skills, knowledge and competences in order to train apprentices according to the latest teaching and training methods and labour market needs. Moreover, the 2020 VET Council Recommendation also highlights the need for the staff to undertake initial and continuing professional development to deliver high quality training.
The Commission is supporting EU countries to implement these frameworks for example by making EU funding available for these purposes or by promoting mutual learning and good practices. For instance, the Commission has put in place an online Community of VET practitioners funded by the Erasmus+, EPALE where teachers, trainers, and in-company tutors can network and learn from colleagues across Europe, through its blog posts, forums, the Partner Search tool, complemented with physical gatherings».
Credits: DG EMPLOYMENT – EYS Team
