Automotive Skills Alliance urges collaboration in transforming automotive skills

Automotive Skills Alliance (ASA) addressed the need for actionable collaboration and attracting young talent to meet the workforce demands of the automotive sector’s green and digital transformation, during the Future Driven Experience pop-up in Brussels.

On 9 December, ASA representatives participated in a panel discussion titled “The Next Generation Workforce: Skills for Europe’s Zero-Emission Journey” organized in Brussels within the Future Driven Experience pop-up by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). The event brought together trade unions, employers, and other stakeholders to discuss workforce transformation in the automotive industry.

Jakub Stolfa, President of ASA,spoke at the first roundtable titled “Trends and skill needs”, together with Friederike Kienitz, Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nissan Motor Corporation; Delphine Rudelli, Director General, Ceemet; and Vicenzo Vitiello, Sistemi Formativi Confindustria. Their discussion focused on how technological advancements and the shift toward sustainability are reshaping Europe’s automotive labour market.

Michaela Palasova, Regional Implementation Working Group co-lead represented ASA at the second roundtable on “Tools and collaborative efforts”. The other panellists were David Storer, Director of Research, CLEPA; Gianpiero Mastinu, Secretary General, Regione Lombardia Mobility Cluster; and Helene Stensson, Project Manager Voltage, Gothenburg Region. Their debate addressed practical solutions for workforce challenges.

Stolfa and Palasova emphasized the need for actionable collaboration of all actors across the industry and education providers to address the growing skills gap and ensure the workforce is prepared for the demands of the digital and green transitions. This includes introducing inclusive policies and modern business practices to attract a more diverse workforce. While individual efforts can make an impact within specific areas, collective action can drive more significant and faster progress across the industry.

Background: ACEA’s Future Driven Experience pop-up event was organized between 5 November-12 December at Place du Luxembourg, Brussels, hosting over 30 events and exhibitions dedicated to topics ranging from Europe’s next-generation workforce to strategies for accelerating the decarbonization of public transport. ASA’s participation aligns with its commitment to upskilling and reskilling the European automotive workforce.