Transforming the workforce: How PES are supporting the skills revolution

Individual Learning Accounts provide individuals with a personal budget dedicated to covering the costs of training activities relevant to the labour market. A Council Recommendation on ILAs (2022) calls for such systems to be embedded within a broader framework of career guidance, skills assessment and validation opportunities in all Member States.

Analysing 31 PES responses to the 2024 PES Network Capacity questionnaire, the report reveals how PES are involved in career guidance and skills assessment services. It also shows they can significantly contribute to the development and success of ILA schemes, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support and training to thrive in the evolving labour market. 

Key Insights

PES are playing an increasing role in skills development, with a strong focus on career guidance, skills assessment, and the implementation of ILAs. Key takeaways from the report include:

• PES tend to offer career guidance to both registered employed and registered unemployed people. Most PES (87%) offer career guidance to both unemployed and employed individuals, either independently or in collaboration with partners. Additionally, two-thirds of PES (65%) extend these services to people who are not registered with them.
• Most PES have partial or full responsibility for skills assessment. Most PES (90%) take on full or partial responsibility for assessing individuals' skills based on specific standards. Over half (58%) also assess soft skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and learning abilities. However, fewer PES (35%) are involved in the assessment of qualifications.
• Around half of PES come from countries/regions currently setting up ILAs. Two PES operate in countries with established ILA schemes (France and Lithuania), while fourteen PES are in countries or regions currently setting up ILAs.
• PES have appropriate experience relevant to implementing ILAs. PES are well-positioned to support ILAs by providing career guidance, training information, and additional funding. In countries like France and Lithuania, PES contribute to ILAs but they are not involved in managing their operation, while others expect to play a role once ILAs are introduced.
• PES capacity-building is key for their involvement in ILAs. Building the capacity of PES is key to successfully implementing ILAs. This involves preparing staff through training to provide effective guidance and support, ensuring smooth operation and helping to meet the varying needs of ILA schemes.

Further reading

To read the full report and findings from the ‘PES Thematic Report 2024 – PES support of career guidance, skills assessment and Individual Learning Accounts’ click here.  

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