BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP: INSIGHTS FROM THE PACT FOR SKILLS AND THE EUROPEAN ALLIANCE FOR APPRENTICESHIPS
BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP: INSIGHTS FROM THE PACT FOR SKILLS AND THE EUROPEAN ALLIANCE FOR APPRENTICESHIPS

Author(s): Larisa Panait
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Human Resources in Economy, Green Transformation
Published by: Editura Universităţii »Alexandru Ioan Cuza« din Iaşi
Keywords: apprenticeship; Pact for Skills; Skills Agenda; reskilling; upskilling
Summary/Abstract: In 2023, 42 occupations were classified as experiencing shortages. Moreover, 74% of European SMEs reported difficulties in finding workers with the right skills according to the Eurobarometer for the European Year of Skills. This highlights the critical need for initiatives like the Pact for Skills and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA), which offer opportunities for individuals through apprenticeships, upskilling, and reskilling initiatives. The Pact for Skills is a flagship action under the Skills Agenda and supports public and private organisations in adapting to green and digital transitions. The 20 Large- scale Skills Partnerships (under the Pact) pledged to train over 25 million adults by 2030, enhancing sector-specific skills development. EAfA brings together governments and stakeholders to enhance the quality, supply, and image of apprenticeships in Europe, while promoting apprentice mobility. This article analyses the monitoring and annual surveys from 2023 (Pact for Skills) and 2022-2023 (EAfA) to assess the impact and outcomes of these initiatives. The analysis reveals significant impacts on skills development, with the Pact reaching nearly 1.5 million individuals in 2023 and EAfA facilitating the creation of more than 509,000 apprenticeship places between June 2022 and August 2023. High engagement and substantial investments were noted, with EUR 151 million invested by Pact members. However, financial and human resource limitations, along with administrative challenges, were common obstacles. Successful strategies included stakeholder cooperation, digital project implementation, and international collaboration, with high satisfaction reported for support services and resources.

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