Is the European Year of Skills an opportunity, that can be considered instrumental in highlighting the significance of skills development in promoting youth employability and addressing the changing needs of the labor market?
«The transition from the European Year of Youth to the Year of Skills has provided us with a valuable opportunity to maintain a continuous dialogue with stakeholders concerning youth employability. It has also allowed us to emphasise the crucial roles of upskilling and reskilling while directing attention to the significance of labour mobility. The Year of Skills brings a fresh perspective, enabling us to explore various aspects of youth employability. This includes a focus on the local dimension, where we address the needs of communities and specific economic sectors. Additionally, it encompasses the international dimension, where we consider new approaches to international cooperation for skills development and labour mobility. This shift allows us to delve into diverse opportunities and strategies for enhancing the employability of young people, both at home and on the global stage».
How is the ETF promoting skills development processes with respect to the European Year of Skills? How these efforts are contributing to enhance the employability of young people?
«The European Training Foundation’s (ETF) specific mandate places significant importance on recognising the skills and qualifications of third-country nationals. This positions the ETF at the heart of the European Year of Skills, as we continue to support our partner countries in modernising and enhancing the quality of education and training systems for all citizens. Simultaneously, we also play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue to promote the recognition of skills and qualifications, thereby supporting the mobility of workers.
Our primary objective is to foster a partnership approach, benefiting not only the receiving and sending countries but also the individuals involved. This approach entails ensuring the provision of high-quality education and training, enabling the portability of skills and qualifications, and respecting the right of each person to migrate. Additionally, it allows for opportunities to choose not to migrate, promoting fairness, economic growth, and social development in all countries through EU investment, cooperation, and partnerships. By prioritising these principles, we strive to create a more inclusive and successful future for everyone involved».
Which are the tools that are implemented (and need to be implemented) to ensure that skills development processes are future-oriented and responsive to the evolving needs of the labor market?
«The ETF’s work encompasses three key areas worth highlighting. Firstly, there has been a substantial increase in our investment towards understanding the demand for skills in specific economic sectors. We have successfully conducted numerous studies focusing on energy, construction, agri-business, automotive industries, and even artisanal crafts. This approach is crucial as it addresses not only the emergence of new occupations, but also the transformation of traditional jobs, many of which hold immense importance for communities and societies, including their cultural aspects.
Secondly, we have placed significant emphasis on assessing the impact of the green transition on various occupations. This involves mapping the evolution of skills investments, especially in relation to upskilling and reskilling, across all countries. We are also closely monitoring how vocational schools are adapting to meet these evolving demands.
Finally, our efforts have intensified to ensure that these endeavours are carried out with a steadfast commitment to promoting fairness. This is particularly relevant in a world marked by increased flexibility and job insecurity. We are actively engaged in crafting robust labour market policies and facilitating smooth transitions from school to work, aiming to foster a more equitable and stable environment for all individuals.
Through these three focal areas, the European Training Foundation is dedicated to enhancing skills development, supporting economic transitions, and contributing to a brighter future that embraces both innovation and social well-being».
How could new societies address the actual challenges and needs in terms of skills/competencies processes, if one considers young generations? How does ETF envision collaborating with stakeholders, including employers, education providers, and youth organisations, to foster a sustainable and inclusive approach to skills development?
«For the ETF, the path ahead primarily revolves around fostering cooperation among various stakeholders. Collaboration has been a strength of our work across partner countries, but looking forward, we recognise the need for an even wider range of stakeholders in policy-making and actions. The growing demands for upskilling and reskilling, for instance, necessitate increased engagement from companies, intermediary actors, innovation partners, training providers, and civil society organisations. This is not an easy task, and there is a significant amount of work to be done.
We have observed that Centres of Vocational Excellence and ERASMUS+ projects play a vital role in accelerating the delivery of our vision and objectives. They contribute to enhancing the skills of youth in both education and the workforce.
However, a critical challenge that still needs to be addressed in most countries is the disengagement of young people from education, training, and the labour market. The alarming number of NEETs (young people not in education, employment, or training) in some countries, reaching almost 30% of youth, is a distressing statistic. It reflects a failure to secure a promising future for our young people. In this context, Youth Guarantee schemes offer part of the solution, but it is evident that we need to implement more of these initiatives in the coming years.
Addressing this issue and ensuring that all young individuals have access to education, training, and meaningful employment opportunities is crucial for securing a prosperous and sustainable future. The ETF remains committed to working with all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, educators, and civil society, to tackle these challenges and create a better future for our youth. By standing together, we can empower the next generation and build a brighter future for all».
In the context of skills development, how does ETF 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?
«An essential aspect that contributes to a better future is the provision of career guidance services coupled with continuous investment in innovative teaching and learning methods. These two elements have the potential to engage young people from diverse backgrounds, support traditional teaching approaches, and expand learning environments to address the unique and specific needs of individuals.
Career guidance plays a pivotal role in shaping a person’s learning journey and life. It offers orientation, instils confidence, and provides crucial support, among other benefits. Moreover, certain professional roles, such as youth workers, face challenges in integrating and gaining recognition within conventional training and labour market systems. To address this, collaboration among education and training providers, youth organisations, and public employment services becomes crucial. Working together, they can create a comprehensive system at both local and international levels to support individuals effectively. By synergizing their efforts, they can pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering education and employment landscape».
Recognising the crucial role of mentors, trainers, and youth workers (whether employed and/or volunteers) in supporting skills development, how does ETF foster collaboration with these stakeholders to ensure effective guidance and mentorship for young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, and how does ETF support their capacity-building efforts in this field?
«The ETF has placed significant emphasis on collaboration with other international actors like ILO and UNICEF, aiming to reform systems and support mentors and counsellors. We focus on recognising their importance and providing guidance to enhance their competences both in policy and practice. Notably, we have implemented successful initiatives in countries like Lebanon, Ukraine, Serbia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, where practical training for practitioners in this field has seen growing interest.
In January 2024, the ETF, in partnership with UNICEF, will release a dedicated publication on this topic. It will highlight the significance of mental health for young people and underscore the role of mentors and counsellors in guiding youth towards positive engagement within their communities and in their education and professional lives».
Credits: European Training Foundation
