How can cross-sectoral cooperation in skills development support green and digital transitions?

1 The benefits of cross-sectoral cooperation

Cross-sectoral cooperation in skills development can bring multiple benefits for the green and digital transitions, such as enhancing the relevance and quality of VET curricula and qualifications, fostering innovation and creativity through knowledge exchange, promoting lifelong learning and career guidance, and supporting social inclusion and cohesion. By aligning VET with changing demands and standards of the labour market and society, learners and workers can access diverse and flexible learning pathways and opportunities, while addressing the skills needs of different groups at risk of exclusion or disadvantage.

2 The challenges of cross-sectoral cooperation

Cross-sectoral cooperation in skills development can be challenging, as it involves coordinating and harmonising the different interests of the stakeholders involved in VET. Additionally, there must be availability and quality of data and information on current and future skills needs and trends across sectors and regions. Resources and incentives must also be mobilized to support the implementation and evaluation of cross-sectoral initiatives and projects. Finally, trust and mutual understanding must be built among the different actors and sectors, especially during times of uncertainty and change.

3 The examples of cross-sectoral cooperation

Cross-sectoral cooperation in skills development can be seen across Europe and beyond. For instance, the European Green Deal seeks to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050 and includes a skills agenda and platform for green skills and jobs. Additionally, The Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition brings together public and private entities to increase digital skills of Europeans from basic to advanced, as well as foster digital transformation and inclusion. Finally, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships is a multi-stakeholder platform that promotes quality, supply, and image of apprenticeships across Europe, while supporting the exchange of good practices and cooperation among VET providers, employers, social partners, and other actors.

4 The recommendations for cross-sectoral cooperation

To strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation in skills development for the green and digital transitions, some recommendations include creating a clear vision and strategy for VET that reflects changing needs and opportunities, developing a comprehensive framework for skills anticipation and analysis, strengthening the quality assurance and recognition of VET outcomes and qualifications, and supporting the professional development of VET teachers, trainers, and managers. This will ensure reliable data and information for VET planning, transparency and comparability of qualifications across sectors and countries, as well as enhancing digital and green competences and awareness.

5 The resources for cross-sectoral cooperation

To learn more about cross-sectoral cooperation in skills development for the green and digital transitions, some useful resources include the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), the European Training Foundation (ETF), and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion (DG EMPL). Cedefop provides research, analysis, and guidance on VET policies and practices in Europe, as well as tools and networks for cross-sectoral cooperation. ETF supports the reform and modernisation of VET systems in the EU's neighbouring countries, while DG EMPL is responsible for the EU's policies and initiatives on VET, skills, and employment. All three entities promote cross-sectoral dialogue and partnership on skills development through various instruments and platforms.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?