IndustriAll Europe and Ceemet welcome the European Commission’s effort to relaunch a European level agenda on Skills which could support social partner’s initiatives in keeping up with skills development required for the future of the Metal, Engineering & Technology-based (MET) sector.
The Commission’s initiative is a positive development as national level education and training strategies as well as budgets have been heavily impacted by the crisis.
Ambitious Vocational Education & Training (VET) policies are essential for companies of all sizes, from large multinational groups to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and for workers to keep up with the skills development that is required for the MET sector to remain strong, innovative, competitive and sustainable.
Both social partners are calling for a responsive VET system that supports the adaptability, autonomy and employability of workers and guarantees real opportunities to access the labour market. Responsive VET systems are also key to helping overcome the current skills shortages that are occurring within the MET industries.