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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

ILO strengthens quality assurance in Ethiopia’s vocational training through core skills
Group photo of participants

Skills development

ILO strengthens quality assurance in Ethiopia’s vocational training through core skills

ILO-Korea partnership builds on achievements to shape future cooperation
Construction workers learn about occupational safety and health guidelines and regulations at construction sites.

ILO/Korea Partnership Programme (I-KORP) Asia-Pacific Forum

ILO-Korea partnership builds on achievements to shape future cooperation

Ongoing and upcoming events

From Results to the Next Cycle: Just Transition and Human Capacity in the AI Era
A group of workers wearing yellow safety helmets.

2024-26 ILO/Korea Partnership Programme (I-KORP) Asia-Pacific Forum

From Results to the Next Cycle: Just Transition and Human Capacity in the AI Era

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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

Future Ready: A labour market assessment of Lebanon’s digital sector

Report

Future Ready: A labour market assessment of Lebanon’s digital sector

South Africa’s automotive transition: Managing employment risks and opportunities in the shift to new energy vehicles

South Africa’s automotive transition: Managing employment risks and opportunities in the shift to new energy vehicles

Disability inclusion in skills and employment: progress, challenges, and policy priorities

Policy brief

Disability inclusion in skills and employment: progress, challenges, and policy priorities

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