Launch of ESF+ CoP Employment, Education and Skills Work Programme 2025 and Study on the role of NGOs in training vulnerable groups

Launch of ESF+ CoP Employment, Education and Skills Work Programme 2025 and Study on the role of NGOs in training vulnerable groups

The ESF+ Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills has launched its annual work programme with specific focus on the role of NGOs in up- and reskilling of vulnerable groups including people with disabilities. This year, special emphasis will be placed on initiatives that are using ESF+ funds aimed at addressing the European Commission’s objectives for tackling skills gaps and labour shortages specifically:

1. Transition management through the modernisation of employment services;
2. Targeting ESF support to vulnerable youth;
3. Improving the resilience of education and training systems to support reskilling and upskilling.

The 2025 Work Programme was developed following a recent Study on “The Role of NGOs in Up- and Reskilling” that examined the added value that NGOs (whose core mission is not in training) bring to education and training provision – for instance, their outreach expertise and flexibility in adapting to crisis situations. Furthermore, this activity aligns with the Commission’s objective to develop a new European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training.