Investing in skills, vocational education, qualifications and human capital is at the heart of the European Commission’s new Skills Agenda for Europe. New ETF Director Cesare Onestini says the action plan is just as relevant for ETF partner countries.

‘The challenge is to find a way in which we can promote the Skills Agenda in a way which is relevant to the citizens (of the partner countries),’ Mr Onestini told stakeholders at the ‘Changing Skills for a Changing World’ conference back in June.

‘Innovation is not going to happen without the commitment … to develop vocational training and skills.’

Cesare’s mandate as ETF Director began on 1 September 2017. He brings a wealth of experience to the top job, following a distinguished EU career combining education and training policy, external relations and management at the highest level. Read his bio on the ETF website here.

Joining the Torino Process conference in June, he described the ETF’s flagship programme as ‘rich’ in terms of analysis, monitoring and ideas. ‘The challenge we face is a challenge of implementation – bringing these ideas to the level of the citizens.’

ETF partner countries share many common challenges when it comes to the development of skills and vocational education, he said. ‘And looking at those we can find ideas to be shared!’

He highlighted the ETF’s expertise, and strong commitment of partner countries and the European institutions to support the process.

‘It is my honour to continue this with you (stakeholders) with the support of the (ETF) staff in the years to come!’

Re-visit his address at the #ETFTRP conference here!