This publication examines the characteristics, skills development, employment patterns and challenges of low-qualified and low-skilled adults in the European labour market. Low-qualified adults are defined as those with International Standard Classification of Education levels 0-2, while low-skilled adults are identified based on job skill requirements from the European skills and jobs survey.
Nearly half of European workers are employed in low-skilled jobs. Educational mismatches are widespread, but graduates in STEM, ICT, engineering and health fields face lower risks of low-skilled employment. Participation in education and training is significantly lower among low-qualified and low-skilled adults, making improved access to training a key policy priority.
Digitalisation and automation are reducing job opportunities for low-qualified and low-skilled workers. They face higher unemployment, lower income, greater poverty risk and lower job satisfaction. The publication concludes that targeted upskilling and reskilling, supported by coordinated stakeholder action, are essential for inclusion and long-term employability.
Publication details
Cedefop. (2026). Skill development and employment pathways for adults with low skill levels. Cedefop research paper. Publications Office of the European Union. DOI: 10.2801/4558680 https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/publications/5620
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Skill development and employment pathways for adults with low skill levels
