Problem addressed

Europe’s work landscape is rapidly changing due to digitalisation, decarbonisation, demographic shifts, and migration. While unemployment rates are at a historic low of 5.9%, these forces are driving increased demand in sectors and occupations already facing shortages or likely to do so in the future. This requires continuous updates of skill profiles and training to ensure the labour force can meet the demands of the future (ESDE, 2023). At the same time, inequality increases as marginalised youth, migrants and women continue to experience barriers to participation in the workforce. In 2022, 11.7% of 15-29-year-olds in the EU were NEETs, with Germany at a low 8.6% and Greece and Spain at 15.4% and 12.7% respectively. The % of women NEETs is systematically higher than men NEETs in all EU countries (Eurostat, 2022). Migrants experience higher unemployment rates than native-born populations (12.8% unemployment vs 5.5% for nationals). In Greece, it stands at 19% (compared to 12%), in Spain at 20.3% (compared to 11.6%) and while Germany has one of the lowest rates (2.5%) the rate triples for non-EU nationals at 8.2%. Here as well, migrant women’s unemployment rate is twice as high the young men’s rate at the EU level (Eurostat, 2023). 

Amidst these challenges, equipping the labour force with the right skills for the future and ensuring social fairness are key priorities for the EU, as emphasized in key documents and policies such as the EU budget, NextGenerationEU, EU Pact for Skills and the European Year of Skills. SkillsPath aims to improve the employability of refugee and migrant youth 18-29, especially NEETs, in DE, GR and ES by leveraging social innovation and an AI skills assessment tool integrated with employment services to bridge the skills gap. Our approach emphasises skills-based matching of supply and demand. The tool enables youth to identify and articulate their skills and compare them to skills-profiles of ESCO occupations and local labour market data. Through individualised guidance, development of soft skills – critical for adaptability in the green transition, upskilling through referrals to VET, including green occupations, awareness raising and capacity-strengthening for service providers and local and national authorities, the project will enhance economic inclusion, thereby promoting social fairness and resilience. 

Innovative solution

SkillsPath directly addresses the outcomes outlined in the CfP as it aims to (a) increase the participation of refugee and migrant youth in employment or training including in the green industry, (b) transfer/adopt practices that have been successful in other contexts and foster mutual collaboration, (c) enhance awareness and adoption of innovative approaches to skills assessment and skills development through capacity strengthening and dissemination, and (d) improve economic integration by bridging the skills gap. 

Key results and benefits

140 youth will receive individualised support and at least 50% out of them will achieve significant career or education milestones, such as job placement, enrolment in apprenticeship/internship, occupational skills training; and 30% out of them will be employed or in training relevant to the green industry. Further, 80% of employment services providers’ staff, including project staff using the AI skills assessment tool report improved career services and ability to align refugee and migrant youth skills with occupations; and 50% of local and national stakeholders participating in  workshops/roundtables report that they see the value of and are motivated to incorporate social innovation and the AI skills assessment into their practices. Project deliverables include among others a practical guide/toolkit on the project’s approach and best practices to support dissemination, scaling-up and sustainability efforts.

Potential for mainstreaming

Targeted dissemination, mobilisation and capacity building activities will focus on showcasing the positive outcomes of the project and demonstrate its replicability and scalability. The transnational CoP will serve as a platform for sharing real-life feedback from the implementation. By integrating technology into existing structures, the project aims to improve efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs. Most importantly, the project will have a durable effect in the lives of our clients - refugee and migrant youth. Through participation in project activities, youth will improve their employability and gain access to quality employment or education/training opportunities, leading to improved wellbeing, civic participation, social and economic integration and better future life prospects.