Preparing Europe’s automotive workforce for the green and digital transition

The automotive sector is undergoing profound change. Electrification, digitalisation and new mobility technologies are transforming how vehicles are designed, produced, maintained and repaired - and with that, the skills workers need to succeed.

To help address this challenge, ACEA is participating in a new project focused on anticipating future skills needs in the automotive maintenance sector and supporting workers through targeted training opportunities.

The initiative focuses particularly on semi-skilled and technical workers (EQF levels 3-5), whose roles are evolving rapidly as vehicles become increasingly connected, automated and electrified.

At the heart of the project is the development of an innovative approach to skills anticipation. By analysing how individual tasks and job profiles are changing, the project aims to identify emerging skill needs at a more granular level and translate these insights into practical learning solutions.

A key objective is the creation of a scalable micro-credentials system tailored to the needs of the automotive ecosystem. These short, targeted learning programmes will support upskilling and reskilling, helping workers adapt to technological change while strengthening employability and career resilience.

The project also explores how micro-credentials can be effectively integrated into vocational education and training (VET) systems. This includes addressing important questions around quality assurance, recognition, trust and long-term sustainability.

By bringing together industry, education providers and other stakeholders, the initiative aims to help bridge the gap between rapid technological transformation and workforce preparedness.

Ensuring that workers have access to relevant, flexible and high-quality training will be essential to maintaining Europe's industrial competitiveness and supporting a successful green and digital transition.

Discover more about the project: https://project-autocredify.eu/