Public Employment Services: Digitalisation and vulnerable youth in EU

The article discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digitalisation of Public Employment Services (PES) across Europe, presenting both challenges and opportunities for rural people not in employment, education, or training (NEETs). Challenges include mistrust in institutions and low digital skills, while opportunities lie in improved outreach and engagement through digital tools. The article highlights that a comprehensive approach to supporting rural NEETs in entering the labour market includes nurturing trust in institutions and digital tools, supporting the digital transformation of PES, and adopting a co-design method involving young people in the process. The article concludes that while PES digitalisation offers practical advantages, it must be carefully implemented to meet EU social inclusion targets for young people, emphasising the importance of informal networks, access to services, and supportive policy and governance.

Written by Francisco Simões and Elena Marta