Published on 28th February 2017
As John Harkin representing CEEMET, the voice of the metal, engineering and technology-based industries recalled : “90% of jobs require some level of digital skills whatever the sector; all jobs will change and it is vital for this workforce to be trained”.
A topic on which Constanza Rinaldi, MEP Brando Bonifei’s representative elaborated upon, stressing on the challenges of the skills mismatch, advocating for a public-private responsibility in terms of upskilling the workforce. Adviser at Business Europe Magdalena Bober called on avoiding digital determinism : “If there is a potential to create jobs in Europe, we should be optimistic and seize the opportunity to train the younger generation and help the workforce compete in the digital economy through upskilling”.
An opinion shared by Sonja van Lieshout, Randstad’s Public Affairs Manager approaching the challenge for business, policy and education leaders to rethink what new skills will be needed in this new era and help workers prepare for the changes ahead through new collaborations and partnerships.
The event was also the occasion for Denis Pennel, Managing Director at the World Employment Confederation, to present the key findings and recommendations of the World Employment Confederation-Europe White Paper on the Future of Work.
