Financing skills development and lifelong learning

This webinar is designed for policymakers, ministries of labour and education, employers' and workers' organizations, training fund administrators, national TVET authorities, donors, development partners, and UN staff working at the intersection of skills, employment, and climate strategies.

The rapid transformation of labour markets driven by global drivers of change such as technological advancement, demographic trends, globalization, and climate change requires robust, inclusive, and adaptive skills systems. Skills development and lifelong learning are central to achieving the ILO’s mandate of advancing social justice and decent work for all, and they are fundamental enablers of productive employment, social inclusion, and sustainable enterprises.

However, effective and equitable financing of these systems remains a persistent challenge across many countries. Public investments are often insufficient or unevenly distributed, employer contributions may be limited, and individuals, particularly from vulnerable groups, face barriers to accessing quality training throughout their working lives. These financing gaps risk are reinforcing labour market inequalities, undermining resilience to shocks, and slowing progress toward just and inclusive transitions.

What to expect

Discover key findings from six ILO studies, with practical insights and country examples:

• Costing and financing of lifelong learning – Explore how different approaches to apprentice pay affect participation and training quality.
• Remuneration of Apprenticeships - Explore how countries regulate the remuneration of apprentices
• Employer Engagement in Training Funds – Learn how involving employers improves training quality in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Costing and Financing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Gain guidance on developing sustainable RPL systems, with case studies from six countries.
• Flexible Financing Pathways in India – Understand how India is addressing lifelong learning in the green and digital transition.
• Costing Lifelong Learning in South Africa - An innovative approach

Why attend?

• Access evidence-based strategies to strengthen your skills in financing systems
• Learn from diverse country experiences
• Exchange with peers across government, labour, and development sectors

Register now to explore practical solutions and shape inclusive, future-ready skills systems.