ESCO recently took part in an Empower webinar week hosted by the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities (EADTU). The webinar, titled "QA and AI for the future of Microcredentials," provided ESCO with the opportunity to showcase its advancements and creative implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) within the project and its tools.

ESCO emphasized AI's role in shaping microcredentials' future, showcasing its analytical approach that uses statistical analysis, data science, and machine learning to optimize classification maintenance, expand ESCO and to make ESCO easier to use for diverse implementers. Natural language processing was also emphasized since it enables ESCO to suggest relevant alternative terms for new occupations, identify skill relations, and recognize new emerging concepts. These AI-driven capabilities increase the accuracy and applicability of classification, benefiting job seekers, employers, and education providers.

ESCO also demonstrated its commitment to improving interoperability in the European labor market through AI-powered crosswalks with other national and international classifications like O*NET (US). This integration increases prospects for cross-border labor mobility, which is in line with the webinar's emphasis on empowering individuals to adapt and thrive in a dynamic job market.

Finally, the presentation highlighted ESCO's role in supporting Europass by enabling the creation of comprehensive E-profiles and CVs. By providing an extensive list of occupations with detailed descriptions, ESCO empowers individuals to showcase their skills and competences gathered throughout their career which resonated with the event's emphasis on personalized skill development and recognition.

ESCO's participation in the Empower webinar highlights the European Commission's dedication to enhancing education and professional development through a skills-based approach. By leveraging AI technology, ESCO aims to improve skill intelligence and facilitate the interconnection of the European labor market. As a result, ESCO plays a vital role in supporting both private and public organisations in leveraging its capabilities while contributing to the EU's vision for a skilled workforce during the digital and green transition.

For those interested in watching the full event and ESCO's presentation, the recorded webinar can be found in this link: QA and AI for the future of microcredentials | Day 2 (youtube.com)