MEPs stress importance of vocational training and lifelong learning
- 3 out of 4 EU companies have difficulties in finding skilled staff
- Need for better digitally skilled staff
- Increase educational and vocational training to boost success in the workplace
On Tuesday, plenary adopted a report to increase employees’ success in the workplace and to respond to the growing need for digitally skilled workers.
In the report, that was adopted with 508 votes in favour, 12 against and 76 abstentions, MEPs highlight the importance of lifelong learning and vocational education and training, including upskilling and reskilling, to ensure that an employer can rely on skilled staff.
Training during working hours
One of the reasons for the current skills and labour shortages are poor working conditions, MEPs say. In their report, they therefore call for access to vocational training during working hours and reiterate their call on the Commission to propose legislation to ban the practice of unpaid traineeships.
Avoiding age discrimination
Other factors that hamper vocational and educational training at company level, as listed by MEPs, are employers' preferences to recruit new staff instead of training current staff, and age discrimination such as preventing older workers from participating in training. MEPs stress the importance of lifelong learning and up- and reskilling for older persons, as this can allow them to learn and acquire new skills to stay fit for the labour market.
Quote
Rapporteur Anna Zalewska (ECR, PL), said: “The world is changing at a rapid pace and a lot of work nowadays is done online. We must face the challenges this creates. We need new skills, in particular digital skills like programimng, to respond to different organisational needs. Preparation for the labour market start at school. The report adopted today therefore aims to coordinate educational training in line with the current labour market.”
Background
Over three out of four EU companies are currently facing difficulties in finding staff with the right skills. On top of that, artificial intelligence and digitalisation will create 97 million new jobs by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum Foundation. To respond to the needs of the changing labour market, it is essential to complement and develop new and digital skills.
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Arianne SIKKEN
Press Officer