Skills and Lifelong Learning after the Pandemic: U.S. and International Perspectives
Channel: OECD Washington Center
Date: 2021-07-16

New digital technologies are reshaping the way people live, work, and learn. While digitalization presents immense potential to empower workers, boost productivity and improve well-being, it can also increase inequalities when people or regions are left behind.

Many of the existing inequalities and weaknesses in labor markets across OECD countries were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, further highlighting the importance of equipping the workforce with relevant skills and supporting lifelong learning.

A recently published report shows that even before the pandemic many youngsters failed to gain the skills that are necessary to thrive in modern labor markets and develop a lifelong learning mindset. Furthermore, only 20% low-educated adults across OECD countries took part in formal or on-the-job training, compared to 60% of high-educated adults across. Now more than ever, having the right skills can make the difference when navigating a rapidly changing labor market shaped by globalization and other megatrends.

As the U.S. recovers from the pandemic, how are policy makers looking at education and training to facilitate effective and inclusive lifelong learning programs, particularly for vulnerable groups?

What lessons can be learned from other countries? How is the private sector responding to the need to create a more diverse and digitally-prepared workforce and how can policy making support employers and employees engage in effective lifelong learning?

On July 15, World Youth Skills Day, join experts from the OECD, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Education, and Amazon for a presentation of the OECD’s latest report on skills, and a conversation about how we can step up efforts to enable people to continue learning throughout their lives.

SPEAKERS:


Angela Hanks, U.S. Department of Education
Maureen McLaughlin, U.S. Department of Education
El Iza Mohamedou, OECD
Eric Morath, The Wall Street Journal
Ardine Williams, Amazon