What the new EU report means for VET and why Skills4Retail matters The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has released a major report on well-being in digital education across EU schools, sending a clear signal to policymakers and practitioners alike: digital transformation in education must be human-centred. For Vocational Education and Training (VET), this message is particularly timely. As VET systems accelerate digitalisation to meet labour market needs, learner well-being is emerging as a strategic prerequisite for skills development, employability, and long-term workforce resilience. This report marks a decisive narrative shift from 'digital first' to 'wellbeing first'; a shift that strongly aligns with the EU’s broader skills and VET policy agenda. A necessary narrative flip embedded in EU skills policy The JRC report argues that digital competence loses its value if it undermines physical, mental, or social well-being. It introduces a Model of Emerging Practices that places the human being at the centre of digital education ecosystems. This approach directly...

Equipping professionals for the future of retail We are pleased to announce the launch of the Skills4Retail Reactive Training Programme – a comprehensive suite of free, high-quality training resources designed to address the evolving needs of the retail sector.    A programme for a changing industry Retail is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digitalisation, new consumer behaviours, and sustainability imperatives. To support this transition, we have partnered with leading industry experts and education providers across Europe to design short, practical courses that respond directly to today’s most pressing skills requirements, focusingon equipping professionals with the skills they need right now. With a flexible, self-paced structure, the programme makes it easy for individuals and organisations alike to integrate learning into everyday activities, supporting both personal development and business growth. Courses available The programme offers a range of training options, including: E-Commerce EssentialsHuman SkillsDigital Marketing EssentialsGreen Skills for RetailResilient RetailingDigital Skills for Retail Each course is designed around real-world retail challenges and provides...