Cedefop has just launched its latest analysis on labour market and skills trends through the Skills-OVATE tool. This analysis, based on millions of online job ads (OJA) collected in 2023 and 2024, offers in-depth insights into occupations, sectors, and skills across the EU and its Member States. It provides a real-time view of shifting market demands.
The latest release, featuring data from the second quarter of 2024, introduces new dashboards focused on green and digital skills, such as renewable energy and related occupations, and greenness and green pervasiveness in professions. These additions reveal how the digital and green transitions are reshaping European labour markets. Notably, rapid digitalization is affecting many non-IT roles, while willingness to learn has emerged as a standout skill in demand across sectors.
Trends in online job ads
In the second quarter of 2024, the majority of online job ads (OJAs) targeted roles in the manufacturing and administrative/support services sectors, together accounting for around 30% of all job postings. Manufacturing jobs were particularly prominent in industrial strongholds like Germany, Slovakia, Czechia, and Italy, where one in five—and even one in three in Italy—OJAs focused on this sector. Hungary, currently holding the EU Council Presidency, also saw the largest share of OJAs for jobs in manufacturing, alongside wholesale/retail trade, motor vehicle repair, and administrative services.
Within manufacturing, employers sought a wide range of roles, from high-skilled positions like researchers, engineers, and science technicians, to medium- and low-skilled jobs such as metal/machinery workers, and electro-engineering trade workers. Notably, only one in nine job ads were for technical workers, categorized as elementary occupations.
The most-wanted skills
Understanding which skills employers value is key to addressing the EU’s vocational education and training (VET) goals and bridging the skills gap. Cedefop data shows that learning ability has emerged as the most in-demand meta-skill. Employers increasingly seek candidates who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn and possess a clear understanding of how to develop new skills. Other highly sought-after skills include data analysis, digital collaboration, and planning events and programmes.
As digital and green transitions reshape job markets, two-thirds of non-ICT roles now require digital skills. Digital literacy is now a baseline expectation, and more advanced skills—like data analysis, graphic design, and animation development—are in growing demand. Green skills —such as corporate responsibility, environmental engineering, and green computing—are rapidly growing, particularly in renewable energy sectors.
Skills insights powering European competitiveness
Europe's job market is evolving, and so are the skills required. Digital proficiency is becoming almost universal, green skills are rising in demand, and meta-skills like the willingness to learn are emerging as critical. As workplaces increasingly prioritize learning and development, both employers and employees must stay ahead of industry shifts.
Tools like Skills-OVATE provide crucial insights, helping employers and employees stay ahead in this evolving economy.