Over 500 skills champions from across Europe, including members of the #CedefopVideoAward winning team, gathered in Brussels on 23 February to celebrate their achievements and discuss ways young people can contribute to the green and digital transitions.
At the ‘Meet the champions of excellence’ event, organised by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), participants shared their education and work experiences, were informed about what policy-makers and social partners do to make their education and career paths smoother and more fulfilling, attended skills demonstrations and met like-minded people from the continent and beyond.
‘You are Europe,’ European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit told participants, adding that ‘You are the ambassadors of this young generation with a lot of talent, innovative spirit and this is your moment. We are here today to recognise that and to celebrate you.’ He also urged all young people to consider vocational education and training (VET) as a learning and career path.
In his address, EESC President Oliver Röpke stressed that the Committee has created a section for young people, recognising their significance for the future of Europe.
At the Cedefop interactive stand, Messrs Schmit and Röpke met with Jordana Gasparinho, who represented this year’s #CedefopVideoAward winning team from Portugal, and her teacher at the Escola de Tecnologias Inovação e Criação do Algarve, José Jesus.
The Commissioner presented Jordana with the prize for their victory and was impressed by the team’s name, Storytellers. Their video shows Jordana’s story, who graduated from high school six years ago and went back to education to study filmmaking and make her dream of working in cinema come true. Mr Röpke gave the winners’ certificate to Mr Jesus.
Cedefop expert Ilias Livanos presented the Agency's work at the workshop 'Together for a digital and sustainable future: developing digital and green skills for every age.’
Mr Livanos said that the green and digital transitions have an impact on skills needed as they influence the economy. He also had a piece of advice for young people: ‘Consider VET as a good option, keep your eyes open for new opportunities and use the technology to your advantage; but don’t substitute formal education for education via TikTok or YouTube, and always stay relevant so that you are always needed and are not easy to replace.’
The champions event was one of the highlights of the European Year of Skills.
You can find out more about the #CedefopVideoAward winners here.
