As the world accelerates towards digital transformation, the European Commission is laying the foundation for the future of work and innovation. Over the next three years, the EU will launch a series of cutting-edge digital skills academies focused on Quantum Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Worlds and Semiconductors. These flagship initiatives are designed to address growing skills shortages and to better align education and training with the demands of a rapidly evolving labour market. 

Building on the success of the recently established Cybersecurity Skills Academy, these new initiatives support company and industry to upskill talent and drive forward digital transformation, helping to strengthen Europe’s tech talent pool and global competitiveness. Each academy will serve as a hub for identifying key skills gaps, offering up-to date and flexible education and creating sectoral ecosystems to attract digital talent. They will also promote digital careers, particularly among women and encourage the return of European talent from abroad.  

The goal is to build a resilient, inclusive digital economy that creates new opportunities, embraces diversity and positions Europe at the forefront of innovation. 

Quantum skills academies 

The aim of the Quantum Skills Academies is to build a pipeline of talent by providing specialised education, training and hands-on training and real-world experience in quantum technologies. These academies will identify gaps in existing academic and training activities within the quantum sector and will develop new opportunities across various education levels. 

Key objectives include: 

• Delivering advanced training programmes, including at least one at EQF Level 7 or 8 

• Providing hands-on training aligned with industry needs 

• Organising career events in partnership with industry 

• Promoting collaboration between academia and industry 

• Developing outreach activities targeting diverse age groups, educational backgrounds and those in leadership roles. 

Beyond training, the academies will contribute to the creation of a comprehensive quantum education ecosystem, helping to strengthen the quantum workforce in Europe. 

Virtual worlds skills academy 

The Virtual Worlds Skills Academy is designed to align existing academic and training initiatives in the field of virtual and immerse technologies. Its mission is to ensure coherence across educational offerings, whilst developing a new curriculum that reflects the fast-evolving virtual worlds landscape.  

An key element will be the creation of a competence and qualification framework to guide education and training in this domain. The academy will also aim to standardise teaching materials and programme catalogues. 

The academy will be structured around three key pillars: 

1. Knowledge, Education & Training: Integrating innovative technologies, creative disciplines, and social sciences and humanities (SSH). 

1. Ecosystem Building: Align with existing EU initiatives, partnering with ELEVATE, and attracting more women into the sector. 

1. Measuring Progress: Establishing mechanisms to monitor labour market trends and track educational outcomes. 

These three key pillars will contribute towards the expected outcomes of building a workforce proficient in Virtual World skills, supporting the development of an ecosystem in this domain. 

AI skills academy 

The AI Skills academy will serve as a one-stop-shop for a range of activities in artificial intelligence, with a special focus on generative AI and its application across key economic sectors. It will also support the development and deployment of AI models in the EU’s AI Factories. 

The academy’s core goals include: 

• Expanding the pool of AI experts and specialists within the EU 

• Reducing the AI skills gap, especially in strategic sectors 

• Increasing AI employability for underrepresented groups, particularly women 

• Engaging European AI talent abroad 

The AI Skills Academy focuses on two key pillars: Knowledge, Education & Training and Ecosystem Building. It aims to address skill gaps by developing AI training programmes, offering scholarships and returnships for women, and promoting collaboration across sectors. Additionally, it will pilot AI apprenticeships and launch outreach campaigns to engage both European AI professionals abroad and young learners, ensuring Europe stays competitive in AI innovation. 

Delivering excellence in education and training 

These academies are designed to reach broad audiences and leverage synergies across the EU’s wider digital ecosystem. They address both immediate skill gaps and long-term workforce needs, by aligning with the industry and market demands, ensuring their relevance and impact. With a strong emphasis placed on inclusiveness and diversity, they aim to equip Europe with the skills needed to lead in innovation, inclusivity and global competitiveness.