Europe\’s Upskill Revolution: Eliminating Labor Shortages
Real Economy: Navigating Skills Shortages in Europe’s Transition to Digital and Green
In the latest episode of Real Economy, Euronews reporter Fanny Gauret journeys through Europe to uncover how businesses are tackling two front‑line challenges: the rise of digital technologies and the push toward sustainable practices.
Key Findings on Workforce Hurdles
- About 63% of European SMEs report that labour and skills gaps are restraining their day‑to‑day operations.
- These shortfalls are evident across diverse sectors—from manufacturing to service‑based industries.
- The scarcity of qualified talent hampers growth and innovation.
The EU’s Multi‑Stakeholder Response
To counteract these impediments, the European Commission, together with business and trade union groups, announced a Tripartite Declaration for a Thriving European Social Dialogue during the Val Duchesse summit in January.
- Objectives:
- Attract more skilled professionals to the European labour market.
- Streamline enforcement of foreign qualification recognition.
- Elevate employment conditions.
- Equip workers with tools for specialised roles.
Funding and Training Initiatives
Brussels has allocated roughly €65 billion in EU funds dedicated to workforce training. Through the European Skills Agenda and the Pact for Skills, two million Europeans have already participated in advanced training programmes, positioning them for the demands of a greener, digital future.
Looking Ahead: Green Jobs and Skill Gaps
While the construction sector continues to face challenges, a wealth of green positions remains available for those with the right skill sets. Addressing this mismatch is crucial for sustaining economic momentum.
Creating a digital workforce in Slovenia
Recruitment Challenges at Ljubljana‑Based Digital Agency
The CEO of Bold Group, Rok Zajc, admitted to Euronews that finding the right talent has become increasingly difficult. His primary hurdle involves securing highly skilled professionals for key roles within the agency.
Key Obstacles Highlighted
- Limited availability of experienced marketers
- Competitive market pushing candidates toward larger firms
- High expectations for salary and professional growth
- Need for niche technical expertise (e.g., data analytics, AI-driven campaigns)
Future Outlook
Zajc believes that innovating recruitment strategies and enhancing company culture could attract the elite talent needed to sustain Bold Group’s growth trajectory.
Digital Talent Gap in Slovenia’s Tech Landscape
Slovenia, celebrated for its vibrant and connected economy, is currently experiencing a surge in demand for skilled information and communication technology (ICT) professionals.
Key Challenges
- High demand for diverse skill sets:
- Design professionals
- Performance marketing specialists
- Software developers
- Senior designers
- Substantial staff shortages across the ICT sector:
- EU aims to recruit an additional 11 million ICT workers to reach its 20 million target by 2030.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Jasmina Zajc, ICT Recruiter: “We actively seek a range of profiles, from designers to marketing experts, but ascending to senior roles demands significant self‑motivation and specialized courses.”
Dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh, Minister of Digital Transformation:
“Governments should focus on reskilling the current workforce, ensuring they acquire the capabilities required to meet the sector’s evolving needs.”
Strategic Recommendations
- Invest in continuous professional development programs.
- Encourage cross‑disciplinary training initiatives.
- Facilitate partnerships between industry and educational institutions to align curricula with market demands.
Slovenia Launches Digital Upskilling Campaign
During a recent interview with Euronews, Minister of Digital Transformation Dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh highlighted the success of Slovenia’s latest educational programme designed to align workforce skills with evolving market needs.
Key Outcomes
- Over 30,000 citizens enrolled in complimentary courses this year.
- Total participation rate reaffirmed the country’s commitment to lifelong learning.
- The initiative targets a broad spectrum of industries, ensuring digital literacy across sectors.
Focusing on Women in ICT
Addressing a persistent gender gap, only 17% of ICT professionals are female. To tackle this disparity, Duh outlined her most enthusiastic project:
“I’m particularly proud of a digital programme aimed at training and re‑training young women. We worked closely with industry partners to supply them with the right talent.”
Strategic Industry Collaboration
By partnering directly with businesses, the programme ensures that skills imparted are immediately relevant, providing a skilled workforce ready to meet future demands.
Upskilling engineers in Portugal
Talent Shortages Hit Europe’s Heavy Industries
Twenty‑two percent of employers in continental Europe’s metal‑based sectors admit they’re struggling to locate qualified staff.
In Portugal, the metallurgical and metalworking segment is likewise grappling with a dearth of professionals who hold the right skill sets.
From Manual Labor to Digital Innovation
While robots now carry out most of the heavy-duty tasks, the old image of a purely physically demanding occupation still lingers.
To thrive, engineers and machine operators must wield advanced technical expertise.
Attracting Talent – Both Locally and Abroad
Nuno Teixeira, CEO of Alsil Group, champions a dual strategy: recruit skilled workers from Portugal’s own talent pool and from other Portuguese‑speaking nations.
“Companies that wish to draw talent should create pathways for career growth, professional advancement, and a harmonious work‑life balance,” Teixeira explains.
Success Stories from CENFIM
- Eduardo – CNC programming and operation technician, recently hired by Alsil Group.
- Rui – Former geological engineer, now a CNC technician.
Both men entered Alsil’s workforce after completing a specialized training programme at CENFIM, a partnership of public and private institutions backed by the European Social Fund Plus.
“It’s a constantly evolving field with fresh challenges emerging daily, and I see it as a promising future,” Rui shares.
“I was drawn to this area by its ongoing innovations and the potential for personal and professional growth.”
Training at CENFIM: Boosting Portugal’s Metallurgical Workforce
Why CENFIM Matters
The Professional Training Centre for the Metallurgical and Metalworking Industry (CENFIM) in Portugal hosts a growing number of professionals who are upgrading their skills to meet the industry’s evolving needs.
Key Insights from CENFIM’s Leadership
- Employment Scale: About 230,000 jobs rely on this sector, and they are continuously evolving.
- Technological Adaptation: Workers are not just learning new tools; they’re reshaping their roles to align with cutting‑edge technologies and market demands.
- Executive Perspective: Manuel Pinheiro Grilo, director of CENFIM, highlights that the industry’s growth stems from a balanced focus on technology and labor needs.
- Export Impact: Firms in the metallurgical field are generating roughly €23 billion each year from exports, according to AIMMAP (The Association of Metallurgical, Metalworking and Related Industries of Portugal).
Empowering professionals to take charge of their careers
Slovenia’s Minister Calls for Lifelong Learning to Bridge Skills Gap
As companies worldwide scramble to fill specialised positions, Slovenia’s Minister Stojmenova Duh emphasizes that the responsibility for upskilling extends beyond organizations.
Key Points from the Minister’s Address
- Shared Responsibility: Both public and private sectors must accelerate recruitment, but every citizen also plays a vital role.
- Beyond Formal Education: Completing secondary or higher education alone is insufficient in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
- Lifelong Learning: Continuous skill development is imperative to remain competitive.
Implications for Professionals
Individuals are urged to actively pursue new competencies rather than relying solely on the structure of their initial academic journey. This proactive stance is seen as essential to adapt to emerging industry demands.
Conclusion
Minister Duh’s statement underscores a collective movement toward persistent learning, highlighting the necessity for both institutions and individuals to collaborate in nurturing a future-ready workforce.
