Extending ESCO and DigComp for IVET: a taxonomy of basic and advanced digital skills

Cedefop, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, is carrying out the Mapping digital skills in IVET curricula research project, that aims to analyse how digital skills are integrated into initial vocational education and training (IVET) curricula at ISCED level 3 so as to provide valuable data to align education systems with labour market demands, ensuring that vocational graduates are prepared for the digitalised economy.

Cedefop's project uses natural language processing to analyse how digital skills are represented across IVET programmes in eight EU Member States. Building on ESCO (the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations classification) and DigComp, the project has developed an extended digital skills taxonomy to capture both established and emerging digital skills that are not always sufficiently represented in existing classifications.

The webinar will present how the taxonomy was developed, how it distinguishes different types and levels of digital skills, including advanced domains such as AI, data science, cybersecurity and high-performance computing, and how it is being applied to large-scale analysis of IVET curricula.

Agenda

• Why an extended taxonomy is needed — challenges in capturing digital skills in IVET curricula with existing classifications
• From ESCO and DigComp to the DSVC (Digital Skills in VET Curricula) taxonomy — conceptual approach and taxonomy development
• What the taxonomy adds — emerging and advanced digital skills, alternative labels, skill levels, reusability and hierarchy
• Applying the taxonomy to IVET curricula — examples from the eight-country analysis and lessons for curriculum and skills analysis