The textile, clothing, leather and footwear industry faces some skill gaps and shortages. The Commission is working to deliver solutions to respond to the issue.
Reasons for the skill gaps and shortages include technological transformations, low mobility of workers, an ageing workforce, and a mismatch between education and the needs of the industry.
The sector needs a wide spectrum of skilled and qualified professionals, from engineering technologists and digital specialists to experts with specific craftsmanship and artisanal skills.
To deliver sector-specific skills solutions, the Blueprint for Sectoral Cooperation on Skills was launched as part of the New Skills Agenda for Europe.