Commission emphasises importance of e-skills
At the launch of the ‘e-Skills for Jobs’ campaign in Athens, Greece the European Commission identified ICT as one of three employment growth areas. The launch was held together with the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A new study, titled ‘e-Skills in Europe: Measuring Progress and Moving Ahead’ shows the trend towards higher-level ICT skills will continue. Forecasts suggests that by 2020 the number of ICT management, architecture and analysis jobs will grow by 44% compared to 2011, and related jobs by 16%.
Mid-level technician jobs will continue to disappear because of automation and productivity gains. Consequently, the study claims that there is a corresponding need to increase the quality and relevance of e-skills available in the labour market. More than 60% of Europe’s digital jobs vacancies are in UK, Germany, Italy, and France.
The Greek Government and ICT industry will establish the Greek National Coalition for the Digital Economy, aimed at young people and potential entrepreneurs. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the e-Skills for Jobs 2014 Grand Event.
Neelie Kroes, European Commission Vice-President responsible for the Digital Agenda, said: “I am glad Greece joins our vision for offering all Europeans the digital skills they need. The Greek Coalition is an inspiring model for other countries that should also move forward with their own coalitions.”
The nine Greek Coalition partners have committed to developing an action plan within the next three months and to include more partners in the near future. Greece is the sixth EU member state to formally launch a national coalition; other countries include Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain.
European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor, added: “I welcome the launch of the Greek National Coalition for the Digital Economy as a concrete example of how member states and the ICT industry can work together to maximise the job creation potential of the sector. We must continue our efforts to ensure ICT employers can find young people with the skills they are looking for.”
