Across the OECD labour markets are tightening and more than 2 out of 5 employers state they have difficulties filling jobs. People require training, reskilling and upskilling now more than ever to fill these gaps.
As highlighted in the OECD Local Skills Week, local communities are best positioned to respond to this urgent call for solutions that respond both to the needs of employees and businesses.
FUTURE-PROOFING ADULT LEARNING SYSTEMS IN CITIES AND REGIONS Publication
In the coming years, labour markets will face significant challenges. In this context, re- and upskilling of adults is an urgent priority for all at national, regional and local levels. To turn challenges into opportunities and to ensure that the supply of local skills matches constantly changing skills demands, there is a need to create strong adult learning systems for a more resilient and empowered society and productive economy. To support local governments in their efforts to future-proof adult learning systems, this policy manual presents a range of policy options and concrete actions that can inspire and guide work at the local level. It is designed for both policy makers and practitioners at the local and regional level, but also for national policy makers to support their efforts in supporting the diversity of local needs.
FUTURE-PROOFING ADULT LEARNING IN BERLIN, GERMANYPublication
After a long period of employment growth that led to the lowest unemployment rate since the German reunification, Berlin’s labour market is now tightening. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, global labour market megatrends such as the automation of production processes and the increasingly advanced digital skills required to perform many jobs pose new challenges to Berlin’s policy makers. Preparing and improving its adult learning system to adapt to the rapidly changing demand for skills will be vital for the future competitiveness of Berlin’s economy and socio-economic mobility. The report Future-Proofing Adult Learning in Berlin, Germany analyses strengths and bottlenecks in Berlin’s adult learning programmes. It stresses the importance of developing a long-term vision for continuing education and training in Berlin that brings together different actors from an adult learning landscape that offers a wide range of diverse services. It further highlights the need to expand local adult learning programmes that account for the city’s highly dynamic population and labour market.
IT'S A MATCH: RESKILLING REFUGEES TO MEET GERMANY'S GROWING IT NEEDSBlog
"In the midst of a crisis, the ReDI School of Digital Integration found an opportunity.
Established in Germany six years ago, the School brings together IT professionals to teach coding and basic computer skills to refugees and migrants. Over the years, the ReDI School’s business model has proven successful: 75% of graduates from the ReDI Digital Career Program now have paid jobs, mostly in the tech industry" - says Anne Kjær Bathel, the ReDI School CEO and co-founder.
FUTURE-PROOFING ADULT LEARNING IN LONDON, UNITED KINGDOMPublication
Cities are not only home to around half of the global population but are also at the forefront of the transformation of jobs, skills and labour markets. Furthermore, cities play a leading role in the COVID-19 response, as the pandemic is not only accelerating megatrends such as digitalisation and automation that change the world of work, but is also challenging city economies. In London, COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented labour market shock, with several service sectors having been devastated. The crisis and its impact on employment and firms make skills development and adult learning more important than ever. London is the first major city within the OECD to introduce a comprehensive skills strategy. The report Future-Proofing Adult Learning in London, UK analyses London’s capacity to design effective adult learning programmes, which are critical for a strong and sustainable economic recovery and for preparing for the future of work. The report sheds light on major challenges facing London, especially in light of COVID-19, while also pointing to opportunities for London to design a future-ready adult learning system that responds to the impacts of the pandemic and aligns training to rapidly evolving labour market demands.
