Economic, digital and technological developments, as well as energy efficiency demands, present the European Steel Industry with a number of challenges. In particular, the rapid and constant change the industry is experiencing requires it to update the qualifications, knowledge and skills of its workforce in continuous ways.

The workforce of today, and tomorrow, must adapt to digital transformations and changes in production processes (Industry 4.0), as well as adjust to the new working practices and patterns of work organisation that are being introduced as a result of such developments (Work 4.0).

New and more stringent regulations concerning energy efficiency and emissions, to protect the environment, will also impact on the way the steel sector in Europe operates.

A more highly qualified, specialised and multi-skilled workforce is needed to address all of these developments, but the industry faces skills gaps, skills shortages, recruitment difficulties and talent management issues.