eSkills

e-Skills for Jobs 2014 was an initiative by the European Commission directly spurred by analytical assessments of a shortage of as many as 900,000 ICT professionals in the EU by the end of 2015, caused by the decreasing interest of young people in engineering professions.

The goal of this initiative was to reverse extremely negative trends among young people and raise awareness about engineering, especially computer and IT professions. These are professions that offer individuals immense employment or self-employment opportunities in extremely interesting jobs, anywhere in the world, and they represent a key element for the development of the ICT sector in every national economy.

The purpose of the initiative was to inform students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and policymakers about the range of opportunities offered by a professional career in information and communication technologies or the use of digital technologies in other business sectors, and to raise public awareness about the importance of continuous guidance for young people towards professions that are in demand and offer very good prospects.

The European Commission selected DIGITALEUROPE and European Schoolnet to implement the eSkills for Jobs 2014 initiative/campaign. The campaign was conducted under the auspices of the European Commission's bodies. Grand Coalition for Digital Jobs, pan-European multi-stakeholder partnership aimed at reducing the problem of a shortage of ICT professional skills among European citizens and exploring the potential of ICT for employment.

Industry, educational institutions, and public authorities have together established a comprehensive and diverse program of events and activities, throughout the year, intended for everyone, regardless of education level and skills. The campaign is coordinated by DIGITALEUROPE and European Schoolnet in cooperation with hundreds of national and pan-European partners, including the European Centre for Women and Technology, JA-YE, Telecentre Europe, and some of the leading IT companies as partners.

During 2014 the eSkills for Jobs 2014 campaign took place in 30 European countries. CARNET's Portal for Schools was actively involved in disseminating information about this initiative.