In today’s fast-evolving job market, the need for reskilling and upskilling has never been more critical, especially for vulnerable adults in declining sectors. Many of these individuals face daily struggles and uncertainty about their future, making it all the more urgent to provide them with the skills they need to thrive. According to 2020 OECD statistics, 9% of adults aged 25-64 with an educational level below upper secondary school are unemployed. Additionally, many workers in transition, as well as unemployed and inactive adults, are not participating in adult education.
Recognising that the green transition and digital transformation are likely to affect sectors unevenly, the RESCALE project is designed to develop an innovative approach to upskill and reskill these individuals for new tasks and jobs in the green and digital economies. By establishing an innovative Reskilling Lab model, we aim to improve the labour market position and proficiency levels of basic, digital, and green skills among vulnerable adults across seven European countries. This project aligns closely with the latest European Union policies aimed at fostering inclusivity and sustainability. In doing so, we are implementing key strategies that emphasise equipping marginalised populations with essential skills for future job markets.
Vision and ambition of the RESCALE project
The RESCALE project embodies transformative ambition:
- Lifelong learning: To provide reskilling and upskilling for diverse populations based on a European model for future skills.
- Addressing recruitment needs: To meet the hiring needs of companies by preparing retrained low-skilled workers.
- Leverage expertise: To engage with collaborators and stakeholders to support vulnerable groups.
- Empowerment: To empower individuals in education and the labour market.
- Innovative solutions: To tackle pressing societal challenges through creative methods.
By focusing on these ambitions, we aim to help low-skilled adults find sustainable employment and improve their quality of life.
Embracing the Union of Skills
The European Commission’s Union of Skills presents a comprehensive framework designed to enhance workforce skills across the EU. Launched in March 2025, this initiative aims to address skills shortages by promoting inclusivity and adaptability, and by emphasising collaboration among stakeholders across sectors. It focuses on vocational education and basic skills. By focusing on vulnerable populations, we are not just adhering to EU guidelines; we are also advancing a broader vision of economic resilience.
Prioritising basic skills and vocational education and training (VET)
One of the cornerstones of the Union of Skills is the emphasis on basic skills and Vocational Education and Training (VET). Our program is designed to integrate these essential skills, facilitating a smoother transition for participants into promising sectors. By focusing on vocational pathways, we prepare individuals not just for jobs but for careers that contribute to sustainable development.
Action Plan on Basic Skills: a foundation for learning
Launched in March 2025, the Action Plan on Basic Skills aims at enhancing fundamental skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, digital literacy, and citizenship among adults. This plan lays a critical foundation for our project as we strive to strengthen participants’ basic skills. The principles outlined in this action plan directly inform our training curriculum, ensuring that our approach is both relevant and impactful.
The EBSN policy brief
The European Basic Skills Network (EBSN) emphasises the urgent need to integrate basic skills into educational frameworks, as highlighted in its recent policy brief. This document outlines the critical role foundational skills play in helping individuals navigate the modern job market. By aligning the RESCALE project with the EBSN’s recommendations, we can effectively address skills deficits among vulnerable adults. This collaboration ensures our Reskilling Labs not only focus on immediate needs but also contribute to a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, supporting the EU’s objectives of inclusivity and sustainable economic growth.
Integrating green and digital skills
The European Basic Skills Network highlights the urgent need to integrate green and digital skills into educational frameworks. Our Reskilling Labs are committed to this integration, offering training that equips participants with the competencies necessary to thrive in modern, eco-friendly workplaces. This dual focus on green and digital skills aligns perfectly with EU directives, ensuring that our trainees are not just job-ready but future-proof.
Fostering citizenship competence
Incorporating citizenship education into our curriculum is essential for fostering a socially cohesive society. By engaging participants in discussions about their roles in the community and the economy, we help them build a sense of agency and responsibility, which is vital in today’s rapidly changing landscape.
Innovative teaching methods for enhanced learning
The action plan calls for promoting innovative teaching methods. We take this to heart in our Reskilling Labs by employing diverse, engaging instructional strategies tailored to the unique needs of adult learners. Our goal is to create supportive learning environments that encourage participation and empowerment.
Supporting non-formal learning
Recognising the significance of non-formal learning, the action plan encourages initiatives that cater to adult education outside traditional frameworks. Our project incorporates community-based approaches, ensuring accessibility and relevance for all participants—particularly those facing barriers to education.
Promoting public-private partnerships
The EU strategy underscores the importance of public-private partnerships to enhance training initiatives. We actively seek collaboration with local businesses and organisations, creating pathways for participants to enter the workforce with real-world skills and experiences.
Conclusion
The RESCALE project not only aligns with current EU policies but also actively implements them. By fostering basic skills and facilitating transitions into green and digital sectors, we are transforming lives while contributing to a sustainable future for Europe. Our efforts not only empower vulnerable adults but also address the pressing challenges of the modern labour market. Together, we are building a workforce equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring that inclusivity remains at the heart of economic progress.
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Sources:
Union of Skills
Action Plan on Basic Skills
- Action Plan on Basic Skills – Comprehensive overview of the action plan aimed at enhancing basic skills across the EU.
EBSN Policy Brief
Additional Resources
- European Basic Skills Network – Information on integrating basic skills in education systems.
