As part of its project on big data analysis from online vacancies Cedefop organised an expert workshop on 20 and 21 March in Milan.
The workshop participants discussed the proposed methodology for collecting and analysing information from online job vacancies in all EU Member States.
To ensure the system’s highest possible quality, Cedefop brought together members of the European Statistical System Network (ESSnet), Eurostat, the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) and independent researchers to discuss and fine-tune the methodology for extracting vacancies and classifying the information they contain.
Cedefop expert Vladimir Kvetan, who coordinates the project, stressed that the event represents an important milestone as the methodology gets exposed to external validation and can benefit from critical review before data collection starts. The ESSnet representative Nigel Swier highlighted that the network has been engaging in similar activities in the past three years making small steps forward and this meeting represents a big step to develop a concise system suitable for statistical purposes.
The meeting confirmed the project’s potential as well as the right direction taken in establishing the system and its infrastructure. Participants provided constructive feedback for further development.
During the concluding session, Eurostat’s Fernardo Reis said that the basics are set for a robust infrastructure to collect information from online job vacancies. Mr Swier noted the need to take concrete actions to expand collaboration between Cedefop, Eurostat and ESSnet in this area.
More information and the agenda of the event can be found here.