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Author: Corneliu Marina
The European Year of Skills 2023 aims to provide a new momentum to reach the EU's 2030 social targets, including ensuring that at least 60% of adults participate in training every year and at least 78% are in employment. The European Year of Skills 2023 outlined a significant initiative aimed at empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, supporting innovation, and improving competitiveness. With such a wide range of goals it is inevitable that an impressive number of various stakeholders, including workers, companies, public authorities, education institutions, training providers, and social partners formed a complex network to achieve the final goal.
In May 2023, The European Year of Skills Festival brought together stakeholders from across Europe to celebrate and highlight the importance of skills development. It was not just a one-and-a-half-hour session in Brussels; it was a vibrant tapestry woven from events across Europe, connecting stakeholders, media, and individuals through a shared passion: empowering people with skills.
Imagine the scene: the energy crackled as Brussels buzzed with activity. High-level panels discussed the future of skills, while interactive workshops highlighted innovative training programs. But the true magic unfolded across the continent with the results of local initiatives that generated, without a doubt, a global impact! Some local activities during the celebration of the festival were: in Prague, a pop-up skills fair brought together businesses, training providers, and individuals, fostering valuable connections and career opportunities; Madrid erupted in a digital skills marathon, equipping participants with the tools to thrive in the tech-driven world and Lisbon hosted a lively debate on green skills, sparking discussions about preparing the workforce for sustainable development.
The festival was not just about talking; it was about celebrating important achievements. Award ceremonies recognized outstanding projects such as the Romanian NGO empowering rural youth with coding skills, bridging the digital divide, and creating local IT talent! Curious to find out more?
Empowering Rural Youth Through Digital Skills:
In a small rural village where job opportunities were scarce, "Code for Romania" launched a transformative initiative: a mobile IT skills lab housed in a van. This innovative project brought hope and opportunity to remote communities by supplying free coding workshops to young people aged 16 to 25.
Equipped with computers and expert trainers, the mobile lab traveled to isolated areas, teaching essential skills like web development, graphic design, and digital marketing. The impact was profound:
- Increased Employability: Over 80% of program graduates secured jobs in IT-related fields or launched their own digital ventures, bolstering economic prospects for themselves and their communities.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: By reaching underserved populations, the project addressed regional inequalities in access to digital education, empowering youth with the tools they need for success in the modern economy.
- Boosting Local Economy: The initiative did not just provide skills; it also stimulated the local economy. By nurturing a pool of digitally literate talent, the project attracted new IT companies to the region, creating further job opportunities and economic growth.
"Code for Romania" proved that with creativity and dedication, even the most remote communities can thrive in the digital age. This mobile IT skills lab not only transformed lives but also sowed the seeds for a brighter, more inclusive future.
With a similar focus, eNEET Rural aims to guide youths towards a brighter future!
What does eNEET represent? It describes young people facing hurdles with work, education, or training. In Romania's rural areas, eNEET Rural recognizes the unique challenges these people face. Job opportunities might be scarce, and education and training might seem far away. But eNEET Rural is here to bridge the gap creating opportunities:
- Skill-building workshops: Learn how to write a killer resume, ace interviews, and master digital skills – all valuable tools for your future career.
- Educational connections: Whether they want to continue their studies or explore vocational training, eNEET Rural assists them to find their path.
A supportive network: Connect with other young people, share experiences, and build friendships.
While this is just two great examples, numerous other Romanian success stories showcase the transformative power of upskilling and reskilling. Here are some resources to explore further:
The European Year of Skills 2023 serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective action. Through collaboration across sectors and innovation at the local level, the program empowered individuals and companies to embrace the future. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning and upskilling, the Year of Skills laid the foundation for a more skilled, sustainable, and competitive Europe.
In the end, we believe that with continued dedication and innovative approaches, Europe can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the years to come.
References:
[7] Code for Romania
[8] eNEET Rural
This article is published under the framework of the EFIVOS project. EFIVOS is an initiative aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of EU institutions, policies, and democratic procedures. This podcast has been funded through project 101081482 — EFIVOS in Europe — CERV-2022-CITIZENS-CIV.
The European Commission support for the production of this article does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflect the view only of the authors, and the Commission can not be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.