The development of relevant skills in South America is essential for productivity, innovation, and social inclusion in a rapidly transforming world. However, the region faces persistent challenges, including skill mismatches and shortages, significant inequalities in access to quality education and training, weak participation in lifelong learning, a large share of people with low levels of foundational skills, and persistent skills governance challenges. Addressing these issues requires a strategic, coordinated approach that moves beyond isolated policies to foster lifelong learning and resilience.
In this webinar, the "Towards a Skills Strategy for South America" project was officially initiated. It aims to provide a high-level assessment of the performance of skills systems across South America, with a particular emphasis on vocational education and training (VET), and to offer high-level, regionally relevant recommendations to enhance the performance of skills systems. The project is structured around three key pillars: developing relevant skills throughout life, utilising skills effectively in the workplace, and strengthening the governance of skills systems.
The event featured opening remarks, an OECD presentation of the regional context, and a panel discussion with experts from diverse international and regional backgrounds. Presenters shared insights on aligning education systems with the evolving demands of the labour market and the specific socio-economic realities of South America.
Key takeaways from the panel discussion include:
- Dual VET systems, which combine classroom learning with practical workplace experience, are a primary tool for increasing the relevance of VET. By connecting students directly to industry needs, these systems facilitate smoother transitions from education to employment and improve overall productivity.
- The region’s high level of labour informality affects nearly one in two workers. This requires proactive skills policies. Governments and stakeholders must go beyond traditional formats to reach vulnerable groups, including youth, women, and migrants, through territorially adapted programmes and financial support that accounts the opportunity cost of training.
- Educational flexibility and modularisation are necessary to keep pace with rapid technological shifts, such as AI and the green transition. Rather than static, long-term programmes, systems should offer adaptable modules that allow workers to update their skills continuously.
- Effective governance must be tripartite, involving governments, employers, and workers. Strong, independent institutional frameworks provide the necessary continuity for skills policies across different political cycles.
- Addressing information asymmetries through better data is essential. Skills governance bodies – such as skills councils – can provide the granular data needed – specifying where, when, and what skills are in demand – to help training providers and learners make informed decisions.
- A territorial and gender-focused lens is vital for reducing disparities. Policies should address the specific needs of rural areas while actively promoting women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as mining and technology.
The recognition of prior learning (RPL) and certification systems make implicit skills visible and verifiable. Promoting a cultural shift within companies to recognise and value these skills is key to empowering workers and meeting industry talent needs.
In the coming months, the OECD will conduct desk-based analysis to evaluate the performance of the skills system and identify opportunities for improvement. It will then test and refine its recommendations with government officials and stakeholders, identify good practices, and finalise policy guidance through upcoming consultations.
