This new Real Economy episode explores the EU's approach to tackling labour shortages and how businesses in Slovenia and Portugal are up- and reskilling their workers amidst the digital and green transitions.  

'We aim to recruit different profiles from design, performance marketing, software developers, to senior designers. However, self-motivation is key to undertaking various training courses', remarked Rok Zajc, CEO of a digital marketing agency in Ljubljana. 

To achieve its goal of acquiring 20 million ICT professionals by 2030, the EU needs an additional 11 million people to join the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. 'Only 17 % of the experts in ICT are female. So my most favourite project is about skilling and upskilling young women' highlighted Stojmenova Duh, Slovenia's Minister of Digital Transformation. 

EU funds are investing around €65 billion in training. Thanks to the European Skills Agenda and the Pact for Skills, around two million workers across Europe have already received advanced training. 

Meanwhile, the metallurgical and metalworking industry in Portugal grapples with a shortage of workers with the right qualifications. Eduardo and Rui’s careers took a turn when they enrolled in a professional training programme at CENFIM, a training centre supported by the European Social Fund Plus. Both have become CNC programming and operation technicians.  

'As companies strive to attract people, they must offer opportunities for individual growth', stressed Nuno Teixeira, CEO of Alsil Group in Portugal.