PESPod #27: Predicting the skills of the future

Across Europe, the triple transitions of digitalisation, demographic change and the greening of the labour market are reshaping job requirements. This episode examines how PES are responding with stronger skills intelligence, better data analysis and more responsive training programmes.

In this episode, host David Poyser is joined by Sophia Cooper (Head of Training) and Gabriele Marconi (Data Scientist) from Luxembourg's PES, ADEM (Agence pour le développement de l'emploi). Together, they discuss how ADEM are utilising data science and algorithms are used to identify and analyse skills in the Luxembourg labour market and how the outcomes are informing the design of training programmes to meet employer needs.

Gabriele outlines how skills-based matching is being introduced to give a clearer picture of what jobseekers can offer and what employers need. He describes how ADEM's algorithms extract skills from open vacancies and feed into the jobinsights.lu platform, which tracks trends across occupations and sectors. Meanwhile Sophia outlines how combining both quantitative and qualitative intelligence can shape reskilling and upskilling programmes and gives example of how ADEM are using the insights to quickly adapt to employer needs.

The episode also explores the lessons learned, examples of programmes developed as a result of data insights and how PES can adopt a shift to skills-based approaches.

Key topics discussed include:

• Upskilling and reskilling in a changing labour market in Luxembourg

Digitalisation, the uptake of AI and wider economic shifts are driving changes across most occupations. Some IT specialisms are shrinking in while others, such as cybersecurity and data science, are expanding, highlighting the need for continuous skills development.

• Skills-based matching to better reflect labour market needs

ADEM is moving towards skills-based matching to improve the relevance of job recommendations. By combining occupations, qualifications and skills the PES can help jobseekers and employers identify opportunities more precisely, particularly where jobseekers have transversal skills that apply across roles or sectors.

• Data-driven tools to support skills intelligence and inform training design

ADEM uses algorithms to extract skills data from open vacancies and combines these insights with wider labour market information, vacancy trends and the Luxembourg shortage occupation list to support evidence-based decision making.

• Agility, collaboration and a shared mindset to support a skills-based approach

A shift towards skills-based methods requires flexibility, cross-team collaboration and continuous dialogue with stakeholders and employers. Data driven approaches are most effective when combined with human insight and the ability to adapt quickly.

Further information:

Click here to listen to the full episode of PESPod 27: Predicting the skills of the future

If you have any comments about this episode or would like to suggest future topics, write to: EMPL-PES-SECRETARIATec [dot] europa [dot] eu (EMPL-PES-SECRETARIAT[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)

The PES Network Knowledge Centre and PES Practices database also have a wide range of information and inspiring practices on the organisation and services of Public Employment Services across Europe. This includes a PES practice on skills extraction from job offers from Luxembourg

Get the latest updates from the PES Network

Get the PES Network's latest news, events and publications on its priority topics for 2026. Sign up to receive the PES Network newsletter!

You can also follow the latest developments from PES Network members in the PES Network LinkedIn group. Click here join.