Preparing Europe’s Workforce for the Age of AI

The growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in strategic sectors is set to significantly reshape labour market dynamics across the European Union. AI is already affecting workers across industries and occupations: one in three job vacancies across OECD countries is reported to involve some degree of AI exposure. Crucially, these impacts are not limited to some professions but affect both lower- and higher-qualified workers. 

At the same time, AI is transforming how work is performed. Most European workers are likely to experience changes in their tasks and skills as AI tools are integrated into daily workflows. While concerns for job replacement remain, according to Cedefop’s AI Skills Survey, for instance, a significant majority of European workers (67%) report that AI helps them perform their tasks more efficiently.

Against this backdrop, ensuring that Europe’s population and workforce are AI-ready is a strategic priority. Being AI-ready means having the skills and confidence to use AI tools in a beneficial, responsible and secure manner.

Building on the AI Continent Action Plan, the Apply AI Strategy proposes actions to equip both current and future workers with the skills, support and safeguards needed to use AI effectively and responsibly.

In particular, the Strategy announces a comprehensive set of measures, which include:

• Providing practical, sector-specific AI literacy training through the AI Skills Academy. The Academy, which will be operation in the course of 2026, will promote tailored training aligned with job profiles across sectors, drawing on courses from various EU initiatives.
• Strengthening industry involvement in upskilling and reskilling.
  Through initiatives such as the Pact for Skills, employers will be encouraged to invest in AI capability-building. Workers in sectors undergoing restructuring will also gain access to further training under the new Skills Guarantee, as announced in the Union of Skills.
• Promoting the widespread use of AI competence frameworks.
  These include the updated Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 3.0), the AI Literacy Framework for Primary and Secondary Education, and emerging sector-specific frameworks.
• Supporting advanced AI skills and entrepreneurship in digital-intensive sectors.In sectors with strong demand for specialised AI expertise — such as mobility, energy, environment, and cultural and creative industries —  “AI for Business” executive master programmes and an “AI Entrepreneurs Lab” are funded to connect outstanding AI graduates with mentors from established AI companies.
• Monitoring AI’s impact on the labour market to anticipate skills needs, identify disruptions and address structural inequalities, including gender and intergenerational gaps.

Beyond these measures, sustained dialogue with employers, workers and social partners will be essential. By working collaboratively, Europe can ensure that AI supports high-quality jobs, strengthens its skills base and empowers workers across all sectors to thrive in the digital and AI era.