What drives workers’ participation in digital skills training?

The study is based on data from Cedefop’s second European Skills and Jobs Survey and explores factors influencing workers' participation in digital skills training within the EU workforce. The report shows that approximately 13% of EU workers report significant digital skills mismatches, with a majority participating in training to address these gaps. The report finds that job characteristics, such as skill requirements and digital intensity, are important for driving training participation. Fear of automation and positive attitudes towards technological change, paired with workplace practices that actively support staff training are also proven to be strong motivators.

The report shows differences in training participation among demographic groups. Younger, male, urban workers in high-skill, digitally intensive roles are more likely to be digitally under-skilled but also more likely to participate in training. Women and older workers in similar roles tend to engage more in training when they are aware of digital skill gaps, pointing to the need for targeted initiatives. Furthermore, sectoral and organisational factors, such as job complexity, public sector work, and performance reviews, increase the chances of training participation.

The study suggests aligning digital skills training with EU goals like the Digital Decade, addressing training access inequalities and building partnerships between employers and training providers. It recommends using frameworks like DigComp for standardised measurement and supporting under-represented groups in rural or marginalised areas. Closing digital divides is stressed as essential to prepare the workforce for technological changes and ensure social and economic resilience.