The TRIREME project has published its first comprehensive analysis on Sectoral Skills Intelligence, offering a detailed overview of how digitalisation, electrification and new business models are reshaping the skills needs of the European automotive mobility ecosystem. Ceemet, as one of the project partners, is closely involved in this work, which supports industry’s efforts to anticipate change, prepare workers and ensure a competitive and socially sustainable transition.
TRIREME is an EU-funded initiative that works to strengthen skills cooperation across the automotive ecosystem. It aligns with the objectives of the European Pact for Skills and the Automotive Skills Alliance, aiming to build strong cross-sector partnerships, develop long-term skills roadmaps, deliver targeted training and explore the social implications of industrial transformation. Ceemet and IndustriAll Europe jointly lead the work on the social dimension, helping to ensure that workers and companies can adapt fairly and effectively.
The newly released Sectoral Skills Intelligence report highlights the extent of the transformation facing the sector. Electrification, artificial intelligence, automation and new regulatory requirements are reshaping job roles at every level. According to the findings, almost 40 per cent of existing skill sets could become obsolete by 2030. Demand is rising sharply for software and AI specialists, robotics engineers, data analysts and experts in battery technology, recycling and cybersecurity. At the same time, traditional roles in administration, assembly and inspection are evolving as new technologies automate routine tasks and require workers to supervise, maintain and interact with digital systems.
The study also reveals that the rapid pace of change is posing significant challenges for education and training systems. Participation in lifelong learning remains too low, with only 39 per cent of industrial workers engaged in continuous training, far below the EU target of 60 per cent. Many vocational programmes lack digital and battery-related content, and micro and small enterprises often struggle to access upskilling opportunities. Persistent skills mismatches mean that companies in many Member States face difficulties recruiting workers with the digital and green skills required.
At the same time, the report highlights promising developments. Innovative training approaches, such as virtual reality modules, AI-based adaptive learning, microlearning, and blended training, are helping to make reskilling more accessible and effective. Companies across Europe are investing heavily in training academies and upskilling platforms, while regional partnerships under the Pact for Skills are increasingly aligning training provision with local industry needs. Social partners are recognised as essential actors in ensuring fair transitions, anticipating workforce transformations, and adapting working conditions through dialogue and collective bargaining.
With the automotive mobility ecosystem experiencing one of its most disruptive periods, the TRIREME study provides a solid evidence base for policymakers, companies, training providers and social partners. It underlines the urgent need for coordinated and forward-looking skills strategies to maintain Europe’s industrial strength, support quality employment and equip workers with the capabilities needed for the twin green and digital transitions.
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