EARLALL Contributes to the “Future of Skills Development” in Cedefop Foresight Study
27/01/2025
EARLALL is engaged in shaping the future of continuing skills development through its participation in Cedefop’s foresight study. This initiative aims to define a long-term vision for upskilling and reskilling by 2040, developing alternative scenarios and action plans to guide policymakers and stakeholders.
EARLALL’s Involvement in Workshop 2: Scenario Exploration
On 22 January 2025, EARLALL participated in the second expert workshop, “Continuing Skills Development in 15-20 Years: Scenario Exploration.” This online event brought together approximately 45 experts, including VET representatives, policymakers, trade unions, business associations, and Adult Learning and Education (ALE) providers. Brussels-based organizations EAEA and Lifelong Learning Platform also contributed valuable insights.
The discussions focused on four possible future scenarios:
- Technology-Driven Talent Competition – Addressing workforce demands in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
- Left Alone to Ride the Tide: Navigating the AI Shockwaves on Jobs – Examining the challenges of AI-driven labor market disruptions.
- Staying Afloat, AI Opportunities Missed – Highlighting the risks of failing to capitalize on AI’s potential.
- AI Unleashed: Dominating the World of Work and Societies – Exploring the profound societal and economic transformations driven by AI.
Key takeaways from EARLALL’s participation included:
- The necessity of career guidance within lifelong learning strategies.
- The role of non-formal adult education in supporting individuals disconnected from the labor market.
- The growing need for upskilling initiatives within companies to adapt to market and technological changes.
- The importance of multi-level stakeholder collaboration within local and regional ecosystems.
EARLALL at Workshop 3: Defining Concrete Action Plans
The next phase of EARLALL’s involvement will take place at Workshop 3 in Thessaloniki on 25 February 2025 (9:30-17:30 EET). This in-person event will unite key stakeholders to refine a shared vision and develop concrete action plans for the future of continuing skills development.
EARLALL’s continued contribution ensures that regional and local perspectives play a crucial role in shaping future workforce policies, reinforcing its commitment to fostering lifelong learning and sustainable skills development across Europe.
