European Skills Agenda
The European Skills Agenda is the European Commission’s strategic framework for developing a skilled, resilient and competitive workforce across Europe. Adopted in 2020, it supports the green and digital transitions by promoting lifelong learning, improving the quality of education and training, and ensuring that people have the skills needed to meet the demands of a changing labour market.
The Agenda encourages stronger cooperation between industry, education and training providers, social partners and public authorities to address skills shortages, anticipate future workforce needs and foster innovation. It also promotes investment in upskilling and reskilling, helping individuals adapt to new technologies and supporting businesses in maintaining their competitiveness.
One of the Agenda’s flagship initiatives is the Pact for Skills, which brings together organisations committed to investing in skills development through collaborative partnerships. The Agenda also provides the foundation for broader European initiatives, including the Union of Skills, which continues to strengthen Europe’s long-term approach to skills, talent and competitiveness.
For the Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear (TCLF) ecosystem, the European Skills Agenda has driven greater collaboration between industry, education providers, research organisations and policymakers. Through the TCLF Skills Alliance, stakeholders work together to identify emerging skills needs, develop innovative training solutions and support workforce transformation across Europe.
Key Objectives
- Promote lifelong learning and continuous skills development.
- Improve the quality and relevance of education and training.
- Address skills shortages and labour market mismatches.
- Support the green and digital transitions through targeted skills initiatives.
- Strengthen collaboration between industry, education and public authorities.
- Encourage investment in upskilling and reskilling across Europe’s industrial ecosystems.
The TCLF Skills Alliance
The TCLF Skills Alliance contributes to the objectives of the European Skills Agenda by bringing together employers, education and training providers, research organisations and social partners to develop sector-specific skills solutions. Through collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing, the Alliance supports a skilled workforce that is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the European Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear ecosystem.