Birth of a new EU agency

SOC I A L AG E NDA / J U LY 2 0 1 7 / 2 1 Skills intelligence Cedefop provides overviews of skills anticipation and matching in all EU Member States, explaining what types of skills intelligence are available and how they are used. To supply policy-makers with practical and easily accessible information that can be readily interpreted, the agency launched a web tool called “Matching Skills-Inspiring Policies”. The web tool showcases a collection of policy instruments from EU Member States, which use information on labour market trends and anticipated skills needs to inform and shape upskilling or other skills- matching policies. “Matching Skills-Inspiring Policies” is not intended to be a one-way street. Cedefop encourages users to send feedback and share ideas. Suggestions for additional skills-matching policies are welcome and the matching skills platform offers a template for collecting, synthesising and reporting the necessary information. Big data In addition to its well-established skills analysis tools – the European Skills Forecast, European Skills Index and European Skills and Jobs Survey – Cedefop has launched a system for gathering and analysing information contained in online job vacancies. Powered by big data techniques and machine learning, it is based on the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) overarching classification and covers all EU countries. Almost real-time information can support continuing training as part of active labour market measures. In the future, the ability to understand time trends in skills demands will also support initial education and training, as well as career guidance. © Belga Image Big data: Cedefop has launched a system for gathering information contained in online job vacancies, powered by big data techniques. Vocational education and training from all angles Located in Thessaloniki, Greece, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) was established in 1975. It helps the European Commission, EU countries, employers’ and employees’ organisations shape and implement EU policies on vocational education and training, skills and qualifications. Cedefop examines how socioeconomic and demographic trends affect employment, the nature of jobs and the demand for skills. It helps focus vocational training provision on labour market needs, by forecasting future skills needs and alerting policymakers to skillsmismatches. The agency supports the use of EU-wide tools such as qualifications frameworks, which enable qualifications from different education systems to be compared and recognised or informal learning to be validated. It also reviews work-based learning models and provides policy advice to EU governments to help reduce joblessness, early school leaving and other labour market imbalances. In 2018, Cedefop had around 120 staff and an annual budget of €18 million. More information: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en SOC I A L AG E NDA / NOV E MB E R 9