Workshop on ‘Digital skills and entrepreneurship in the digital revolution era: from EU funding opportunities to job creation'

Has anyone ever wondered how often EU citizens speak about digital skills? 

Date 2015-11-16 Author EUN
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Digital skills have proved to be cross cutting in many areas, and the European Commission once more raised the profile for interested stakeholders at this workshop held during the recent Open Days - European Week of Regions and Cities, an annual four-day event during which cities and regions showcase their capacity to create growth and jobs. 
 
The workshop aimed to give an overview of the digital skills needed for working in technology and ICT, by discussing the role of industry and presenting best practices from the Netherlands, Belgium, Latvia and Spain utilising public and private funding to implement successful ICT learning programmes. It was organised by the European Commission, DG Connect and counted also on the support of a panellist from DG Employment who spoke about European Social Funds.
 
The panellists engaged in debate regarding the skills needed to teach young people who will join the digital job world. The audience included several teachers who spoke during the Q&A session about when digital skills teaching (i.e. coding) should start in schools. There was also a focus on lifelong learning programmes, linking university courses with traineeships in order to constantly be up to date with practical (digital) skills.  
 
The importance of education at the heart of digital skills was highlighted, pointing out that current programmes on digital education are extremely welcome but still need back up from both civil society and industry when reaching students and children. Since today's youth represents tomorrow's workforce, education is a key process and dissemination through the internet is one of its best tools. 
 
Find out more about the workshop on the European Commission's Digital Agenda website.
 

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