Global organizations join ILO webinar to discuss innovation and excellence in education

In latest edition of “The SKILLS Bridge” Masterclass Series, the ILO brought together thought leaders and researchers from the World Bank, the European Commission, the OECD, India’s National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC), and WorldSkills to showcase best practices and innovative programmes that promote excellence in skills development.

Addressing the disconnect between technical vocational education and training (TVET) and labour market needs caused by demographic changes, digital transition, and climate change, the webinar explored strategies for ensuring high standards of quality, relevance and inclusion.

Titled Innovation and Excellence in Education and Lifelong Learning, the event took place online on 21 November, targeting a global audience of policymakers, industry leaders, education and training providers, international development organisations, NGOs, and researchers in the field.

“Innovation fuels our education systems and institutions to meet the challenges of our fast-changing world of work, and excellence ensures that educational programmes meet their objectives and ensure the employability of graduates, drive sustainable development, and social justice,” said Dr Ashwani Aggarwal, Global Workgroup Leader (Skills and Lifelong Learning Policy, Systems and Digitalization), ILO Geneva, as he introduced the masterclass.

During a keynote address, Vice President for Human Development at The World Bank, Dr Mamta Murthi, urged participants to refer to the “Building Better Formal TVET Systems” report.

Launched last year by the World Bank, the ILO, and UNESCO, the study is the first rigorous global analysis of TVET challenges and reforms in low- and middle-income economies, offering advice on the three fundamental transformations that can help policymakers, education stakeholders, and development partners shape more successful TVET systems.

Chiara Riondino, Head of Vocational Education and Training at European Commission, presented the Centres of Vocational Excellence, a flagship initiative as part of the Erasmus+ programme. Based on the premise “Act local, think global” and conceived as networks, the projects work on specific sectors such as construction or health, but also on horizontal topics such as the green and digital transition, and social inclusion.

As a key takeaway, Marieke Vandeweyer from the OECD Centre for Skills followed with examples of successful flexible learning pathways in OECD countries. This approach allows systems to personalize studies based on individual skills, preferences, needs, or aspirations, while maintaining clear pathways between levels and forms of education and ensuring that everyone is equipped with solid foundational skills.

Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of the NSDC, then reviewed the experience of India in introducing an academic bank of credits into a higher education system that is meant to enhance mobility and interdisciplinary learning.

Concluding the masterclass with the closing remarks, WorldSkills Director of Sponsorship and Partnership Alexander Amiri spoke about the WorldSkills Occupational Standards as a driver for impact and about the importance of partnerships and interaction for achieving excellence and innovation.

Watch all the episodes of the ILO’s “The Skills Bridge” Masterclasses.