Occupational and training standards define the skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary for individuals to perform competently in a given job. They form the backbone of recruitment benchmarks and job-related training programmes. Keeping them up to date is therefore crucial to develop a skilled, adaptable workforce that drives economic growth and innovation. Responsive standards also enable policy makers to develop targeted measures that promote inclusive growth, reduce unemployment, and increase competitiveness, fostering a resilient economy capable of navigating the challenges of the 21st-century.
Yet, despite their importance, developing agile occupational and training standards that can keep pace with rapidly evolving economies and societies remains a challenge. To help policy makers improve the quality, relevance, and attractiveness of job-related education and training, this report provides a novel comparison of government efforts in selected OECD member countries to ensure the timely and efficient production of agile, user-friendly, and responsive standards. It highlights good practices from Flanders, France, French-speaking Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
This report was prepared by Gamze Igrioglu, Julie Lassébie and Michele Tuccio from the Skills and Future Readiness Division of the Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs. The work was carried out under the supervision of Glenda Quintini (Head of the Skills and Future Readiness Division). The report benefited greatly from the insights of participants in an international workshop organised in Brussels in January 2024. Special thanks are given to Elisa Gómez Alemán (European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Structural Reform Support) for her support and feedback.
The action was funded by the European Union via the Technical Support Instrument, and implemented by the OECD, in co‑operation with the Directorate‑General for Structural Reform Support of the European Commission.