Abstract:

Technological progress, automation, digitization, lead to changes in the demands of the labor market. Vocational education and training systems are forced to keep up with these changes. The acquisition by young people and adults of skills that are as relevant to the labor market as to provide them with increased employment opportunities is the basis of investments in education. Objective 4 of sustainable development pursues these aspects. The article analyzes the progress made in reaching the targets proposed by the Member States of the European Union. Depending on the degree to which young people acquire new knowledge, skills and competences, their capacity to integrate them into the labor market increases. Subsequent integration into the labor market of young people may be affected by the early departure of vocational education and training systems. Throughout life, adult education measures may be hindered by their refusal to participate in vocational training programs. Comparative analyzes regarding both basic education and tertiary education are presented, as well as comparative analyzes regarding adult education.