SKILLS FACTORY

In this episode, we break down common myths about gender equality in the labour market with ETF expert Outi Karkkainen. First, the idea that "women don’t matter to economic growth" is simply false—data shows that increasing women’s employment could boost GDP by up to 25%. Yet, many governments and businesses remain slow to act. Another misconception is that "vocational and technical jobs are for m...

Will AI take over jobs, or will it create new opportunities? Can education keep up with the rapid pace of technological change? Should we ban AI in schools—or embrace it as a learning tool? In this thought-provoking episode of  The Skills Factory , AI and Future of Work expert  David Timis  explores the real impact of AI on jobs, education, and the skills we need to thrive in an automated world....

In the 45th episode, Khalid El-Metaal, rector of the United World College of the Adriatic and educator with decades of experience, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in today’s education system. We discuss the the complexities of social media and screen time, and the role of digital tools in students' lives: is banning or restricting access the solution? We also dive with Khal...

In the 44th episode of  The Skills Factory  we feature David O'Sullivan, EU Special Envoy for the Implementation of Sanctions, reflecting on the transformative events following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. O'Sullivan recounts the historic moment from his perspective, witnessing Europe's optimism for a peaceful and united future.  In this conversation we explore...

In the 43rd episode we dive deep into the evolving landscape of work, education, and personal motivation in the 21st century.  We explore the challenges posed by aging workforces, continuously changing jobs, and the need for lifelong learning as people are expected to change careers multiple times. Guests discuss how to rekindle passion in those disillusioned by work and the importance of aligning...

In this 42nd episode of The Skills Factory podcast, we explore the intersections of climate change, education, and gender equality with Bareen Haval, an activist and educator from the Kurdistan region of Iraq. As 2024 is projected to be the warmest year on record, we dive into the urgent challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on education. How can regions grappling with conflict and di...

In this 41st episode of the Skills Factory podcast series, we discuss with Carl Wieman, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and professor at Stanford University, the future of education and the impact of artificial intelligence on learning. What are the biggest challenges our education systems face? Why are experiential learning and critical thinking important? How should teaching look in the 21 st cent...

Are you curious to know how the green transition intersects with gender equality? Are women being left behind in the renewable energy sector, just like they were left behind in the traditional energy industry? How can we ensure that the green transition is not only sustainable but also inclusive? How can we provide green skills to women? To learn more about the critical need for gender mainstreami...

Is something missing from the agenda of COP conferences? Whilst diving into the biggest global conferences on climate change, where political leaders from all over the world discuss and look for solutions to benefit our planet, we’ve asked ourselves: Is something missing? What about green skills and green education? What’s the point of having access to technologically advanced devices – such as so...

In this episode we discuss the evolving landscape of education with Riel Miller, Futures literacy expert. Traditional models of learning are being challenged by technological advancements, globalisation, and shifting societal values. We'll dive into the complexities of preparing students for a future that is characterised by uncertainty and ambiguity. - How can schools adapt to meet the divers...

In the 37th episode, we're tackling the skills that could make us relevant and indispensable to future employers. In this episode, we present the Tier List of skills for the future job market. As the landscape rapidly evolves with spread of technologies such as AI, we observe the uncertainty surrounding future labor markets. Therefore staying ahead of all those changes requires a strategic app...

In the 36th episode, we dive into the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence on education. With our expert speakers, Serena Sacks-Mandel, Chief Technology Officer for Education at Microsoft, and Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation, we share insights on AI biases, regulation challenges, and the changing role of teachers in the AI era. We discuss the delicate balance be...

In the latest episode of the Skills Factory podcast, we embark on a journey where technology meets education. Featuring guests speakers, Lisa Cowey, an expert from UK, and Jan Peter Ganter de Otero, a human capital development expert from ETF, the thirty-fifth episode explores the dynamic intersection of technology and vocational education. No vaccines, no new technologies: How the world around us...

More than a quarter of women in almost half of the EU’s neighbouring countries are neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET), with some countries reaching up to 40%. What is the state of gender inclusion  and women's entrepreneurship?   What is the link between women and growth ? Listen to our new podcast episode “Reducing the gender gap: how far did we get?” with Anna Dorangricchi...

In this Skills Factory podcast, student in engineering Elimon Dingwiza shares his unique educational journey, leading us to question the relevance of formal education for today’s young people. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Elimon attended several schools before dropping out in an attempt to satisfy his thirst for knowledge beyond standard curricula. He excelled in self-guided learning, highlighting...

In this episode we discuss the impact of generative artificial intelligence on education system overall and on teachers in particular. We specifically discuss following question: How fare will the job of a teacher change in the future? What are the risks and opportunities of AI tools in education?  How can we ensure that the access to generative Artificial Intelligence tools is equally available f...

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on the labour market and education. We delve into various aspects, including societal fears towards AI in different countries, the historical context of automation in Japan, the potential for AI to address labor shortages, and the future of unpaid household work.  The conversation also explore...

In the 30th episode of the Skills Factory podcast, titled “Platform work: digital futures” we discuss the growing influence of digital platforms (e.g. Uber, Airbnb, Deliveroo) in the labor market and the implications for individuals, businesses, and society. The guest speakers are  Vili Lehdonvirta  from Oxford University and the author of the book “Cloud Empires: How digital platforms are overtak...

In this 29th episode of the Skills Factory podcast series, we deep-dive into skills development initiatives run by the EU in its neighbouring countries. While the European Year of Skills is moving at full speed, it is essential to stop and clarify how skills are contributing to creating a better planet. What is Europe doing to make sure that investments in education are worth it, and that no one i...

In this 28th episode of the Skills Factory podcast series, we delve into the ever-changing world of work. As new professions are emerging at a rapid pace, it is crucial to consider the skills that will be needed to navigate our evolving landscape. Do we adequately prepare today’s young people for the jobs in the coming decades? To answer this question, join our conversation with ETF expert Frances...

In the 27th episode of the Skills Factory podcast series, Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation, discusses the global crisis facing education today and the urgent issues that educators and learners need to address. What does it mean to have a global vision of education and how could it be one of the solutions to re-build a fit-for-purpose and inclusive education system? The co...

Green skills are crucial to make the green transition happen and create a sustainable future. But what are they, and what are our most common misconceptions about them? Are they relevant for rich countries only? Or for specific industries only? Are they closely associated with male-dominated jobs? In addition, we’ve used ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence chatbot, to ask a question on the topic:...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), one of the biggest investors in EU neighbouring countries, provides development loans to both governments and private companies.  It was one of the first banks to make social inclusion and equality a prerequisite to being awarded a loan.  But how is this policy implemented across EBRD very diverse geographical regions and conte...

Economic crises can have a significant impact on education . When the economy is in a downturn, government revenues typically decrease, leading to budget cuts for services, including education. This can result in reduced funding for schools and universities, leading to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and less support for students and teachers. Additionally, during an economic crisis, unemploy...

In 2021 there were 23.7m migrants in the EU and since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, nearly 8m additional Ukrainian citizens have fled to the EU as refugees. All these people could be effectively incorporated into the European labour market, helping to contribute to the bloc's economic growth.  But when it comes to recognising the skills that migrant...