How is education shaping our societies and the jobs of tomorrow? How are schools, training, and skills evolving across Europe and beyond? And what role will artificial intelligence and automation play in the future of work?
In Skills Factory, we explore the big questions about education, skills, green jobs, lifelong learning, and the changing labour market—together with inspiring guests who share their insights and stories.
Got an idea, a story to tell, or a topic we should cover? Get in touch: info[at]etf.europa.eu
#47 - Debunking myths about women at the labour market
In this episode, we break down common myths about gender equality in the labour market with ETF expert Outi Karkkainen.
First, the idea that "women don’t matter to economic growth" is simply false—data shows that increasing women’s employment could boost GDP by up to 25%.
Yet, many governments and businesses remain slow to act. Another misconception is that "vocational and technical jobs are for men."
Many training programmes reinforce outdated gender roles, discouraging women from entering fields like plumbing, engineering, and IT.
Should gender quotas be introduced to level the playing field? And how can we encourage girls to explore STEM from an early age?
We also challenge the belief that "women prefer to stay home and raise kids." While caregiving is often seen as a natural role for women, societal expectations play a huge role in shaping these preferences. Finally, we examine the myth that "the digital economy is more gender-inclusive."
Despite the promise of remote work and flexible careers, tech remains male-dominated, and online platforms still reflect traditional inequalities. What policies could truly change this—beyond just diversity initiatives?
Tune in to hear expert insights on how we can build a more equal future.
Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya, ETF
6 Feb 2025
#46 - The great shift 4.0: AI impact on education and jobs
Will AI take over jobs, or will it create new opportunities? Can education keep up with the rapid pace of technological change? Should we ban AI in schools—or embrace it as a learning tool? In this thought-provoking episode of The Skills Factory, AI and Future of Work expert David Timis explores the real impact of AI on jobs, education, and the skills we need to thrive in an automated world.
🔹 Is banning AI in schools the right move—or does it do more harm than good?
🔹 Why are traditional education systems failing to prepare students for the future?
🔹 Which skills will be most valuable in the AI-driven job market?
🔹 How can employees future-proof their careers against automation?
Join us as we dive into the critical skills of the future, including digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, and AI fluency. Whether you’re an educator, a professional looking to upskill, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!
🎧 Listen now and get ahead in the AI revolution.
Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya
19 Dec 2024
#45 - “Teachers should have very clear why they choose this profession”
Rector Khalid El-Metaal shares his expertise on the future of education, emphasizing the importance of traditional skills like memorization, language learning, and empathy for students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
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4.5 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 62 / 100
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63
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0
YouTube
86
Engagement
68
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