Abstract:

Digital transformation is affecting all aspects and fields of our world, including the labour market and the necessary skills and competences needed for some occupations. In addition to that, according to latest 2022 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) study data, there are also evidences in this regard: 5 out of 10 adults and every third person who works in Europe lack basic digital skills but at the same time, more than 85% of future jobs will require this basic level of digital skills. Also important to mention that over 70% of businesses have said that he lack of staff with adequate digital skills is an obstacle to investments.

In order to address this big challenge, there are two main ways: on the one hand, upskilling and reskilling of adults with the new relevant skills and competences; and, on the other hand, working on the topic from the educational system starting from an early age.

Education plays a key role in this process. Vocational Education and Training (hereafter, VET) is also a key protagonist is preparing the future work place to deal with the new and future demands of the labour market. It is important to also focus and support the digital transformation of the VET sector.

When referring to the integration of digital technologies in education, it is important to highlight the concept of school digital capacity. The digital capacity of schools covers different relevant areas, such as the effective use of digital technologies for the teaching and learning process, the promotion of an effective digital learning including innovation and exploration of the potential of digital technologies for education and its integration and implementation for learning purposes.

SELFIE for work-based learning (hereafter, SELFIE WBL) is a self-reflection tool designed by the European Commission to support VET institutions and companies to make the most of digital technologies for teaching, learning and training, in other word, to support the develop of the VET schools digital capacity. It was officially launched in October 2021, after an extensive piloting process in 9 countries with more than 35,000 users.

SELFIE for work-based learning connects VET institutions and companies for the digital development of Vocational Educational and Training. SELFIE WBL brings companies on-board in the self-reflection process so in-company trainers are new actors in this process

VET teachers, students and school leaders, together with trainers and companies can use this free online tool to reflect jointly on their use of digital technologies for education and training, to plan for improvement and to monitor progress.

Improving the use of digital technologies in work-based learning improves employability and the practical use of digital skills.

Keywords:

Digital education, VET, digital transformation, SELFIE, SELFIE WBL, work-based learning, digital competence, digital skills.