Care about upskilling, reskilling, social mobility and innovation? Look no further than VE

Care about upskilling, reskilling, social mobility and innovation? Look no further than VETThis article explores the crucial role of vocational education and training (VET) in equipping both youth and adults with the skills needed in the future of work. It highlights innovative VET institutions that have successfully reached individuals from diverse backgrounds.A good match between skills provided by education and the skills demanded in the labour market is key for inclusive societies and economic development. However, the skills required by employers are rapidly changing, and education has evolved at an uneven pace. This has entailed skills mismatches worldwide. OECD research shows that currently around 30% of workers are mismatched to their jobs by field of study and a similar number of workers are over- or under-qualified for their job.DIGITAL AND GREEN SKILLSTwo of the main drivers of change within the labour market are the digital and green transitions. Technology is creating millions of new jobs, while also disrupting others through automation and increased human-machine interaction. The World Economic Forum notes that over 70% of firms perceive they cannot find the skills needed to thrive in the digital transformation . In parallel, the green economy is expected to create over 20 million jobs worldwide by 2030. Clearly, the development of digital and green skills is urgent if we want to achieve sustainable development and narrow inequalities.NEGLECTED VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET)In this context, inclusivity and productivity will depend on the capacity of education and skills systems to provide everyone with the right skills. One avenue for doing this in our view is the previously neglected vocational education and training (VET) which can provide youth and adults with the skills needed to build a better future.VET had often been linked to negative stereotypes around low-status education and low wage jobs in many countries. Consequently, many students tend to prioritize general education and only 37% of 15-19 years-olds upper secondary students, across OECD countries are enrolled in VET. But we are seeing a change, VET is being prioritized given its unique position at the intersection of work and school. Why is that?VET IS BEING PRIORITIZED GIVEN ITS UNIQUE POSITION AT THE INTERSECTION OF WORK AND SCHOOL. WHY IS THAT?1)VET can provide students with the right skillsWell-designed VET brings together insights from many stakeholders, such as businesses, education systems, policy-makers, and labour unions, since establishing partnerships contributes to a better forecast of the skills demand and a better adaptation of the curricula to respond to employers’ needs.2) Work-based learning VET can smoothen the school-to-work transitionGood VET programs have an extensive work-based learning (WBL) component. This provides students with industry-specific skills and the opportunity to showcase their potential with employers. Countries with more students in WBL pathways, such as Switzerland and Denmark, tend to obtain better results. Yet, in most countries students enrolled in VET continue to participate in mostly school-based vocational programmes .3) VET can reduce barriers and open new possibilitiesDespite several countries setting up lifelong learning mechanisms, only 40% of adults participate in training and those in greatest need for training are less likely to participate. This is not always due to a lack of interest or commitment as 11% of adults would like to participate in training but lack time, money, or support from their employers. This makes it evident that new alternatives and flexible pathways must become a policy priority.HOW CAN VET BECOME MORE ATTRACTIVE?To become more attractive VET programmes need to be flexible, innovative, and inclusive. Fortunately, several examples are already going in this direction.In France, where only 10% of students enrolled in ICT programmes are females , Ada ,...