The skills nexus between productivity and job quality
Strengthening foundations for a competitive Europe
As Europe navigates rapid technological change and global competition, this conference explores how skills and workplace learning can drive both productivity and job quality. It brings together experts, policymakers and practitioners to discuss how investing in people’s skills can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. The event is part of the European VET and Skills Week.
Participants will discuss how companies and institutions can translate investment in skills and workplace learning into higher productivity and better job quality. The conference will also address the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, on jobs and organisations.
Participants will engage in keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive sessions. These will explore how skills development and workplace learning link to technological change and productivity, including transition towards Industry 5.0 and the role of workplace learning cultures.
Sessions will address topics such as upskilling in EU workplaces, future skills needs, and the impact of automation and digital technologies on jobs. Group discussions will look at leadership, organisational support for learning, and how job tasks evolve with digitalisation.
The programme includes exchanges with social partners, government representatives and experts. It encourages dialogue and the sharing of practices across sectors and countries.
Insights will draw on findings from Cedefop’s European Training and Learning survey (ETLS). Which provides unique insights into the drivers and contextual factors affecting workplace learning among EU citizens.
The conference will contribute to identifying practical approaches and policy priorities to help organisations adopt human-centred approaches to technological innovation.
14:30 – 00:00 
Thessaloniki, Greece 
Konferenz