On 3 February, Ceemet took part in a social partners’ hearing on the Union of Skills initiative, which is due to be published on 5 March.
On 17 February, Ceemet submitted a written reply to the Commission following the social partners’ hearing on the Union of Skills initiative.
Skills shortages have been existing in our industries for many decades but they remain a persistent and unsolved issue for our companies. Today, the need for new skills adapted to the twin transition has amplified this challenge, which has resulted in companies across the economy competing for the same talents, in particular in the area of “digital skills.” Indeed, technological developments are moving very fast, and, as pointed out in the Commission Action Plan to fight labour and skills shortages, up to 63% of EU companies trying to recruit information and communication technology (ICT) specialists experience difficulties in filling those vacancies. Moreover, the demand for these experts is expected to more than double by 2030. Our companies are a clear example of this as they constantly struggle to recruit and retain the highly skilled workforce that they need in the digital field, including data analysts, engineers, cybersecurity and ICT specialists. Without these experts, companies can simply not operate.
But not only are our industries short of mechanics, electric and electronic technicians, boilermakers, maintenance workers, welders, draughtsmen, electricians, as well as workers with vocational backgrounds. In addition to vocationally trained workers, the technological transformation of the industrial sector underscores the growing demand for STEM and ICT professionals, as outlined above. This demand is particularly acute in (emerging) fields like electric-vehicle productio,n which is critical to the success of the green and digital transition.
In a nutshell, competitiveness today is intrinsically linked to having the rightly skilled workforce. In the same vein, a highly skilled mobile workforce is the basis for an internationally competitive industry that provides quality jobs.
In this context, Ceemet welcomes the Commission’s forthcoming initiative on the Union of Skills. We are, in general, positive about the Union of Skills if designed in a broad manner and aimed at boosting skills policies at all levels while fully respecting Member States’ competence in the area of education and training. The Union of Skills and the different initiatives derived from it should certainly promote transnational cooperation, but without clashing with national strategies in these fields. Furthermore, the upcoming initiatives should not entail additional reporting and administration obligations for Member States nor for companies and other stakeholders.
Check out our full position for more insights on the STEM Education Strategic Plan, European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training, Action plan on basic skills, Digital Education action plan, Micro-credentials and Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs), The role of social partners, The EU Talent Pool, Career guidance, and Working in partnerships.