Brussels, 20/04/2016 (Agence Europe) - Today, three years after the "youth guarantee", the European Commission examined the idea of a "guarantee for skills". The latter could possibly form part of the future Agenda for New Skills in Europe. Commissioner Marianne Thyssen put forward this idea during an exchange of views with MEPs on Monday 18 April.
According to the European Commission, a fifth of Europeans (70 million adults) have problems reading, writing or adding up. Almost 40% of companies have expressed difficulties recruiting staff with the required skills, including digital competencies. At the same time, it is estimated that around 25% of young highly skilled workers are overqualified for the jobs they occupy. In this context, the European Commission is gearing up to present an Agenda for New Skills in Europe on 1 June next.
Addressing MEPs from the European Parliament Education and Culture Committee, Commissioner Thyssen explained that the future text would be based on three key objectives, namely, improving the levels of skills, increasing quality and the attractiveness of vocational training and encouraging entrepreneurship. The Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Workers Mobility stated "At the current time, skills are rapidly becoming obsolete. We therefore need to ensure that people can update and improve their skills throughout their professional lives. I am currently examining the possibility of a skills guarantee, which will guide member states on how best to increase access to and the use of resources for increasing skills for under-qualified adults".
It should be pointed out that the Commission set up a youth guarantee in 2013, so that young people aged under 25 would be better placed to obtain quality employment, education or training in the four months after they left school or lost their jobs. During her speech, the Commissioner also highlighted the fact that the spirit of enterprise also significantly varied from one member state to another (17% in Poland and 3% in Austria and Denmark) and that it should be encouraged and underpinned accordingly.
The Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics, highlighted the importance of action from the earliest age, as well as experience in the field. He also highlighted his support for digital skills. Before highlighting the role of transversal skills, including civic and social skills, the Commissioner indicated that "Currently, 70% of EU teachers recognise the importance of information and communication technologies. Nonetheless, only 25% of students receive courses from teachers that have this knowledge. It is indispensable that teachers are trained in this field". (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)
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