Union of Skills: A step forward, but need for a stronger focus on vocational training, labour market needs, and stable funding

On Wednesday 5 March 2025, the European Commission unveiled its Union of Skills, aiming to tackle Europe’s skills shortages and strengthen the workforce in the face of digitalisation, climate transition, and demographic shifts. The package includes a chapeau communication and two action plans: the STEM Education Strategic Plan and the Action Plan on Basic Skills.

 SGI Europe welcomes in particular:

• The reinforced focus of the new STEM Education Strategic Plan to address employers’ needs in VET and tertiary education and, in particular, the perspective to develop short courses leading to micro-credentials in strategic STEM sectors;
• The intention of the Commission to bring more women to STEM education and make it a study and a career choice with a new objective to train 1 million girls by 2028;
• The emphasis on basic support for EU teachers and trainers through various initiatives and to improve their professional development opportunities in school and vocational education.

“The Union of Skills is an important initiative, but its success will depend on the ability of Member States and social partners to translate its ambitions into real changes on the ground,” said Valeria Ronzitti, General Secretary. “We need strong commitments to Vocational Education and Training, more direct enterprise involvement in education policies, and stable investment in skills development.”

SGI Europe reiterates its willingness to support the implementation of the Union of Skills to respond to labour and skills shortages that impede the delivery of SGIs across Europe.