SkillsPULSE contributed to the first SKILLAB Policy Meeting
On February 21, 2025, the 1st SKILLAB Policy Meeting brought together experts, policymakers, and project partners to discuss strategies for bridging skills gaps, aligning education with labour market needs, and navigating workforce transitions in the EU. The event featured keynote presentations and roundtable discussions on topics including skills intelligence, digital and green transitions, demographic challenges, and HR strategies.
Our partners Seamus McGuiness from ESRI, and Lukasz Arendt from the University of Lodz participated in the roundtable discussions: “Aligning Skills with Workforce Needs”.
Some insights below:
- Union of Skills: Creating a Common Skills Framework
Participants debated the limitations of ESCO (European Skills, Competences, and Occupations), which remains underutilized by employers and job seekers. The need for AI-driven solutions, better user interfaces, and policy incentives to improve ESCO’s adoption was emphasized. - Improving Skills Intelligence: The Role of AI and Big Data
AI and machine learning can enhance skills forecasting, but challenges remain in data access and reliability. Many datasets are proprietary or incomplete, making workforce predictions difficult. The discussion highlighted the importance of high-quality, standardized data before AI-based models can fully integrate into skills intelligence systems. - Job Quality and Workplace Well-being
Concerns over precarious contracts, low wages, and workplace stress were addressed. Calls for living wage policies, improved job security, and transparent employer rankings were made, emphasizing the need for fairer working conditions across the EU.
