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Topic portal

Skills and lifelong learning

Woman engineer in white long sleeve shirt using black laptop computer. 2020 © Unsplash

Globalization, changing work dynamics, and advancements in automation and AI are driving a critical need for a skilled and adaptable workforce. Governments must implement forward-looking skills policies, while education systems should embrace new technologies and prioritize digital skills. Employers need to invest in workforce training and reskilling to meet evolving demands, and workers must incorporate lifelong learning into their careers.

Skills training

increases participant’s likelihood of getting a job by 14%.

Apprenticeships

86% of employers report more relevant skills from apprenticeships.

Generative AI

could augment at least 13% of employment worldwide, with a similar impact across regions.

News and stories

Iraq launches a four-year programme for better jobs, skills and social protection
Representatives of the Government of Iraq, the Conference of Trade Union Federations and Unions in Iraq, the Iraqi Federation of Industries and the ILO sign Iraq’s new Decent Work Country Programme.

Decent work country programme

Iraq launches a four-year programme for better jobs, skills and social protection

Beyond the headlines: ILO and IGAD strengthen media professionals’ skills to report on regional integration, free movement of persons and...

Labour migration and free movement

Beyond the headlines: ILO and IGAD strengthen media professionals’ skills to report on regional integration, free movement of persons and...

Ongoing and upcoming events

Africa Skills Week 2026

Regional conference

Africa Skills Week 2026

Innovative solutions for skills-based mobility across borders

Masterclass Series “The skills bridge” - Episode 15

Innovative solutions for skills-based mobility across borders

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Skills anticipation

Skills anticipation

Green jobs

Green jobs

AI and digitalization

AI and digitalization

Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Youth employment

Topic portal

Youth employment

Apprenticeships

Topic portal

Apprenticeships

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Lifelong learning and skills for the future

Lifelong learning and skills for the future

World of Work Series report 2026

Latest publications and documents

Skills gap assessment in the fodder sector that promotes inclusive decent employment and productive livelihood in Nakuru, Narok and Kajiado...

Kenya's fodder sector skills assessment

Skills gap assessment in the fodder sector that promotes inclusive decent employment and productive livelihood in Nakuru, Narok and Kajiado...

Changing landscape of skills in the age of AI

Publication

Changing landscape of skills in the age of AI

Employment, skills and economic inclusion in Cox’s Bazar: An analysis of labour market dynamics and trends

Publication

Employment, skills and economic inclusion in Cox’s Bazar: An analysis of labour market dynamics and trends

Initiatives

ILO's Africa Skills Hub
zoom on man's hands screwing into planks

ILO's Africa Skills Hub

Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification
Fishermen throwing a net from their boat

Skills for Trade and Economic Diversification

Skills for Productivity, Environment and Economic Diversification
a group of workers lifting a panel for solar system

SPEED

Skills for Productivity, Environment and Economic Diversification

DiSCo - Digital Skills Coalition
A young Syrian employee working as a technical service personnel in the IT sector, in Ankara, Turkey. He participated on the job training programme where he developed both his technical and social skills.

ILO initiative

DiSCo - Digital Skills Coalition

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Picture of a book case.
All resources

All resources

Browse all events, publications, projects and other resources on skills and lifelong learning