ETUCE: Participates in the implementation process of the EU 2020 and Education and Training 2020 flagship initiatives, among others, via active representation in Open Method of Coordination Working Groups of the European Commission; Monitors EU initiatives on linking education and employment, skills and jobs, learning and job forecasting and on youth employment. Participates in setting up and monitoring the implementation of EU policy on all prioritised areas of education, for instance learning mobility, teaching languages, entrepreneurship education, maths and science education, education for sustainable development, etc. Advocates the provision of quality education and monitors the set-up of quality assurance mechanisms at European and national levels; Carries forward and seeks new opportunities for cooperation with other unions and professional organisations working on education, such as the EFEE; ETUC, EPSU, ESU, ATEE, etc  

ETUCE monitors EU initiatives on linking education and employment, skills and jobs, learning and job forecasting and on youth employment.

ETUCE works closely with ETUC on the issue of labour market relevance of education and training.

In line the EU-level debates on employability of graduates, skills mismatches, and closer link of education to the labour market, all ETUCE statements, positions, resolutions and policy papers deal with the role of education in the labour market. Accordingly:

Policy

  • Youth unemployment is creating a lost generation across many countries in Europe and this is not only an immediate catastrophe but the ramifications will be with us for many years (see statement 2013).
  • Education must combat the extremely high rate of low-skilled adults in Europe, and a high number of people are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) (see: ETUCE message 2014).
  • VET, in particular apprenticeship, is significant for young people moving from schools/institutions to employment, and moving from compulsory education to further education (see: policy paper 2012).
  • ETUCE Statement on the Employment Council Conclusions on New Skills for New Jobs: the way forward (2010) highlighted that efficient education and training systems are elements of high importance in a time of global financial and economic crisis. However, education and training should not be seen merely as a tool to meet the specific and immediate demands of the labour market. (see: statement 2010)
  • Openness of the schools and education towards labour market organisations/businesses can work only if the balance is maintained in education that equally answers and ensure the individual and the labour market needs (see: statement 2010).
  • Education is not a commodity and the role of education is not to fulfil continuously the changing economic and labour market objectives (see: statement 2013). Education should prepare people for life and not only serve the short-term needs of the labour market. (see: statement 2011)
  • The mission of universities and other higher education institutions is much broader than providing knowledge to the business sector. (see: statement 2011)

Membership

ETUCE joined the Roundtable: Grand Coalition for Digital Jobs (2013)

More information
ETUCE Circular 1/2014: Spending on education is an investment: progress in countries in 2013 describes facilitating the transition from education to work through vocational education and training in light of education investment.
ETUCE Circular 1/2014: National reforms on education and training in the light of EU policy informs member organisations about the implementation process of EU2020 and ET2020 on Youth employment and vocational education and training (VET)
ETUCE Circular 1/2013: Youth Guarantee
ETUCE Circular 3/2012: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting
ETUCE Circular 2/2012: EU-US High Level Working Group on Jobs and Growth
ETUCE Circular 2/2011: Languages for jobs