European Skills And Jobs Survey (ESJS)

The European Skills and Jobs Survey (ESJS) is a comprehensive survey conducted by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop). It aims to provide insights into the skills landscape across the European Union, focusing on the relationships between skills, education, and the labour market. The survey examines how skills are utilized at work, how they evolve, and how mismatches between workers' skills and job requirements impact productivity and career development.

The primary goal of the ESJS is to assess the skills that European workers possess, how these skills align with their job requirements, and the extent of skill mismatches (both over-skilling and underskilling). The survey also looks at how jobs are changing due to technological advances, globalization, and other factors, and how workers adapt their skills over time

The ESJS covers employees aged 24 to 65 across the EU member states. It includes a wide range of sectors and occupations, capturing a representative snapshot of the EU workforce. The survey caters to the following contents:

• Data collection and methodology: The ESJS employs a structured questionnaire, administered through interviews, to collect data from a sample of workers across EU countries. The survey is designed to ensure comparability of results across countries and sectors.
• Skills utilization: The survey investigates the types of skills used in the workplace, including cognitive, technical, interpersonal, and digital skills.
• Skill mismatches: It explores the extent of mismatches between the skills workers have and the skills required for their jobs. This includes situations where workers are either overqualified (over-skilled) or under-qualified (under-skilled) for their roles.
• Skill development: The ESJS looks at opportunities for skills development, such as training and lifelong learning, and how these opportunities relate to job changes and career progression.
• Job changes and future skills: The survey also focuses on the evolving nature of jobs, particularly the impact of digitalization and automation on skill needs.

The results of the ESJS are used by policymakers, educators, and employers to design strategies for education and training systems, labour market policies, and workforce development. The data help in addressing skill gaps, improving the alignment of education and training with labour market needs, and fostering lifelong learning.

The ESJS provides valuable insights into the prevalence of skill mismatches in the EU, highlighting sectors and occupations where mismatches are most common. It sheds light on the relationship between skills and job quality, including job satisfaction, career advancement, and wage levels. The survey also identifies trends in skill demand, particularly in relation to technological change, helping policymakers understand future skills needs.

The ESJS is a crucial tool for understanding the dynamics of skills in the European labour market. It helps identify areas where the skills of the workforce need to be enhanced, where education and training systems may require adjustment, and how workers can be better prepared for the future of work. This is especially important in the context of rapid technological change and the growing emphasis on digital and green skills within the EU.