Council Recommendations on “Improving the provision of digital skills in education and training” and “Key enabling factors for successful digital education and training" - a BusinessEurope position paper

Key messages

• The attainment of basic, transversal and advanced digital skills across different learning pathways, starting with school level education through to lifelong learning, upskilling and re-skilling is essential. In particular, it is necessary to foster the motivation of older workers as well as the low to medium skilled in digital skills attainment. Employers particularly highlight the need for people with STEM skills as the specific digital skills sets, such as coding, cyber skills, data analysts, and risk management.
• In fostering the attainment of digital skills, it is essential to utilise new technologies and possibilities for remote and distance learning in combination with a blended learning approach. In this respect, further emphasis should be put on the development of digital learning content, including via massive open online courses (MOOCs), short cycle degrees, modular learning and micro-credentials and better use of part-time and distance learning study options.
• In addition to having the necessary infrastructure that enables digital and remote learning possibilities, it is essential that teachers and trainers have a sufficient level of competence to design, deliver and assess digital education and training courses and curriculum. This includes facilitating more industry exposure for teachers and trainers, so that they have a better understanding of the skills and qualifications required by employers.

What does BusinessEurope aim for?

The better alignment of education and training systems with labour market needs, including through the more timely and effective updating of education and training curriculum, taking into account the rapid pace of digitalisation as well as the interlinked process of the adaptation of labour markets to the green transition. It is necessary that EU and national actions to update training curriculum are well coordinated including through mutual learning opportunities at EU level.