The Union of Skills is a flagship initiative of the European Commission that aims to strengthen Europe’s human capital by ensuring that people have the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. It supports lifelong learning, promotes excellence in education and training, and helps develop a workforce that is prepared for the green and digital transitions while enhancing Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.
For the Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear (TCLF) ecosystem, the Union of Skills provides a strategic framework to address skills shortages, anticipate emerging competence needs and foster closer cooperation between industry, education and public authorities. By encouraging investment in skills, innovation and talent development, the initiative helps businesses access the skilled workforce required to remain competitive in a global market.
The TCLF Skills Alliance actively supports the objectives of the Union of Skills by bringing together employers, education and training providers, research organisations, social partners and policymakers to develop innovative skills solutions for the sector. Through European projects, the Pact for Skills, Regional Skills Partnerships and collaborative initiatives, the Alliance contributes to building a more skilled, adaptable and inclusive workforce across Europe.
Key Priorities
The Union of Skills promotes action to:
- Strengthen lifelong learning and continuous skills development.
- Address skills shortages and emerging labour market needs.
- Support the green and digital transitions through targeted training.
- Foster closer cooperation between education, training and industry.
- Improve skills intelligence and anticipate future workforce demands.
- Increase the attractiveness of careers in Europe’s industrial ecosystems.
- Promote inclusion, mobility and equal access to quality education and training.
Building Skills for Europe’s Future
The Union of Skills recognises that Europe’s competitiveness depends on people. By investing in skills, fostering collaboration and encouraging innovation in education and training, the initiative helps create a resilient workforce capable of responding to technological, environmental and societal change.
Through its activities, the TCLF Skills Alliance contributes to this shared vision by supporting the development of future-ready skills that will enable the European Textile, Clothing, Leather and Footwear industries to innovate, grow and lead the transition towards a more sustainable and competitive future.