The rapidly changing nature of the workforce, influenced by global events, has made it highly uncertain and unpredictable. In response, the European Skills Agenda emphasizes the importance of equipping students with 21st century skills, such as entrepreneurship and digital literacy and universities have recognized the need to create curricula that equip students with these abilities. To understand and identify them, as part of BE 21 SKILLED Project, the “The Regional Skill Councils Blueprint: Skills Panorama” was developed.
The report explores the modalities and aspects of establishing a diverse multi-stakeholder group responsible for evaluating and enhancing 21st century skills based on labour market demands, technological advancements, and potential gender disparities. It also examines the current methods and practices for involving stakeholders in Latvia and Serbia, where the project's outcomes will be tested.
In Latvia, the STEM sector collaborates with higher education institutions through direct partnerships, sectoral expert councils, and employer associations. These collaborations encompass various aspects of higher education, including curriculum planning, quality assurance, and evaluation. The involvement of employers and associations throughout the education process aims to address the challenge of a shortage of qualified specialists in STEM fields, attributed to low enrolment and graduation rates.
On the other hand, in Serbia, the integration of 21st century skills in higher education involves the council of employers, dual model of studies, and sectoral skills councils. The council of employers serves as advisory boards, providing insights on labour market trends and facilitating program improvements and extracurricular support for students. Dual-model studies can be standalone programs or modules within existing programs. Sectoral skills councils analyse labour market demands, determine qualifications and standards, and promote collaboration between education and industry.
Finally, the report also presents blueprint for stakeholder engagement, developed through literature review and industry interviews, and it offers a collaborative model between higher education institutions and employers. It outlines cooperation areas and stakeholder responsibilities across all phases of education, serving as a guide to enhance cooperation for the development of 21st century skills.
The full report can be found here: https://be21skilled.eu/regional-skills-councils-blueprint/
