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As highlighted in Cedefop’s recent article, digitalisation and (AI) AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). are rapidly transforming the European labour market. This shift is reshaping job roles, creating new occupations, and introducing both opportunities and challenges for skills development and occupational safety and health (OSH). 

Findings from Cedefop’s most recent European Skills and Jobs Survey, which includes 46,000 workers, together with EU-OSHA’s ESENER 2024 (involving 41,000 workplaces) and OSH Pulse survey 2022 (conducted with 27,000 employees), reveal significant effects of digitalisation on both skill improvement and occupational safety and health. 

In areas such as education, where AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). tools are becoming more common, new OSH hurdles are emerging, affecting the safety, health, and well-being of teachers. At the same time, the rise of gig work—where 11.5 million individuals across the EU earn part or all of their income from digital platforms—has created new risks. Workers in this gig economy may not benefit from basic OSH protections or access to group negotiations and social dialogue. 

Among the main dangers linked to digital technologies, according to EU-OSHA’s research: 

• 34% of businesses indicate a rise in work intensity.

• 32% percent mention an excess of information.

• 27% point out the blurred lines between their work and personal life. 

Additionally, among the new risks and challenges:

• AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). -based management of workers brings psychosocial dangers, such as isolation and lack of human connection, diminishing workplace relationships.

• Remote work is any type of working arrangement to work from home or – more generally – away from the employer’s premises or in a fixed location. In this context the focus is on remote work enabled by digital technologies (e.g. personal computers, smartphones, laptops, software packages and the internet). and AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). -based planning can reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes, increasing domestic responsibilities for women.

• Certain digital technologies might elevate the risk of workplace cyberviolence and harassment. 

Cedefop’s studies emphasise how digital tools influence job skills and long-term vocational training, highlighting changing skill requirements, new job roles, and increasing skill deficiencies, especially in sectors reliant on AI and digital technology.

Use of systems or technical procedures to allow a device or system to execute (partially or fully) a function that was previously, or conceivably could be, carried out (partially or fully) by a human. of jobs 

• One in five adult workers thinks that AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). can manage more than 50% of what they do at work.

• Of those currently using AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). in their jobs, 30% have had some responsibilities removed, while 40% have taken on additional tasks.

• For 68%, the main benefit of AI is that it boosts productivity, allowing them to finish tasks at a quicker pace.

 Skill shortages related to AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). and The process of acquiring/teaching additional skills.

• 60% of European employees believe they will require new knowledge and skills to handle the effects of AI refers to systems that display intelligent behaviour by analysing their environment and taking actions – with some degree of autonomy – to achieve specific goals. AI-based systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g. voice assistants, image analysis software, search engines, speech and face recognition systems) or AI can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g. advanced robots, autonomous cars, drones or Internet of things applications). tools on their work in the next five years.

• Only 15% of adult workers in Europe have taken part in training to enhance their knowledge and skills regarding AI tools or systems in the last year.

• However, 40% are uncertain if their employer will offer the needed training. 

Against this backdrop, the need for a coordinated response has never been greater. A year ago, from May 22 to 24, 2024, the three major European Associations of VET Providers-the European Forum of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (EfVET), the European Association of Institutes of Vocational Training (EVBB), and the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA)- gathered in Brussels 280 representatives of vocational education and training (VET), policymakers, and industry stakeholders from both European and non-European countries.

The attendees signed a manifesto to recognise and defend the key role that VET must play in the future of Europe and its important contribution to employability and the pursuit of “skills and competences for a sustainable future.”

The event coincides with the period EU-OSHA and Cedefop worked together to strengthen their ties to, in line with the manifesto, work together to integrate skills intelligence and occupational safety and health (OSH) considerations into policy, ensuring that Europe’s workforce and workplaces are future-ready.