The international climate targets and digitisation are important drivers of far-reaching changes in the labour market of the future. Matthäus Fandrejewski is convinced that “digital competence and the ability to use resources in a sustainable manner will shape many job profiles“. Matthäus Fandrejewski, founding member of the European Apprentices Network and CESI Youth Representative, took part in this year’s European VET Week, which was held online from 9 to 13 November. Matthäus call for a reorientation of vocational education and training towards the metatrends digitalisation and sustainability.

“The transformation to a climate-neutral economy and society can only succeed if vocational education and training adequately prepares the future working population.” Fandrejewski demanded during a high-level debate: “All VET learning venues, VET schools, inter-company VET centres, further education institutions and universities must gear their structures towards digitalisation and sustainability.

In a keynote speech, Matthäus presented five central aspects for sustainability-oriented training: its financing via Just Transition Funds in order to ensure a smooth transition into the futural jobs, the reorientation of training and curricula including the Green Mainstream, the appointment of young sustainability ambassadors at all learning locations, as well as sufficiently qualified staff and modern technical equipment. “The EU can and must help to achieve this reorientation towards sustainability-oriented vocational training. “Digitalisation and sustainability also need leadership in the classroom and in the company or office for successful implementation. In conclusion, Matthäus called on the stakeholders present in the crisis to do everything possible – to continue their training programs and to offer young people perspectives despite these difficult times!