**Mousiouttas Stresses Need for Vocational Training in Workforce**
Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas has underscored the importance of vocational training in enhancing the skills of the workforce in Cyprus, particularly as working lives become longer and more varied. His remarks were made during the annual meeting of the Human Resource Development Authority (Anad) with vocational training centres, held on Friday.
Mousiouttas highlighted the critical need for employees to continually renew their skills to remain competitive in the labour market, especially as the landscape of work evolves. "As working life becomes more diverse and longer, it becomes increasingly vital for each employee to renew their skills, so that they can remain in the labour market on decent terms until retirement," he stated.
The Minister praised Anad as a pivotal partner for the state in enhancing productivity and improving employment prospects. He emphasized that vocational training has become essential in light of the "radical transition" occurring within the labour market, driven by advancements in technology and the rise of artificial intelligence. Mousiouttas advocated for the adoption of these new technologies with a focus on human-centric approaches, ensuring respect for labour rights and investment in relevant skills.
In terms of current initiatives, Mousiouttas reported that Anad's training programmes have successfully engaged over 25,600 participants, supported by a budget of €14 million. The focus of these programmes has been on developing digital and entrepreneurial skills, which are increasingly necessary in today’s job market.
The Minister also noted that recent digital upgrades and streamlined procedures have significantly reduced administrative burdens for both businesses and applicants. He indicated that the next step involves enhancing the quality of training structures and assessing their actual impact on employment and productivity outcomes.
Mousiouttas's comments come in the wake of recent Eurostat data, which revealed that adult participation in vocational training in Cyprus rose to 12% last year, a notable increase from 7.5% in 2015. However, this figure still falls short of the European Union average of 13.7%. Additionally, a report from the European Commission highlighted that only one in four Cypriots engages in workplace education, which is significantly below the EU target of 60%.
The Minister's emphasis on vocational training reflects a broader recognition of the need for continuous skills development in a rapidly changing economic environment. As Cyprus navigates the challenges posed by technological advancements and shifts in the labour market, the government appears committed to fostering a workforce that is adaptable and equipped with the necessary skills to thrive.