A 'New Skills Agenda for Europe': what are the key challenges?

The European Skills and Jobs (ESJ) survey, undertaken by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), is the first survey on skill mismatch carried out in the EU28 Member States, examines drivers of skill development and the dynamic evolution of skill mismatch in relation to the changing complexity of the tasks and skills required in people's jobs. ESJ highlights the complex challenges facing European skill systems. Skills matching ranks low as a motive in individuals' job choices, while job mobility favours the most skilled. Skill gaps are prevalent in some occupations and sectors and for some population groups (re)entering the job market (e.g. long-term unemployed), yet too many of European Union (EU) workers' skills are underused and unidentified.

In this survey insight paper, the author notes that 'a New Skills Agenda must further facilitate the transparency and validation of qualifications and skills and invest in better skills intelligence. This will ultimately foster mobility of the groups most in need'.

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