In Sweden, we have collaborated with:

• Trade unions Vision, Finansforbundet and Unionen, who are members of TCO - the Swedish Confederation of Professional Employees;
• TCO’s think tank Futurion;
• Researchers from the University of Gothenburg;
• Learning experts Hyper Island.

The sector and participating employees

Over 400 members of Vision, Finansforbundet and Unionen who work in administrative professions have taken part in the training programme in Sweden. Participants have professional roles such as financial and accounting assistants - roles that are currently changing at a rapid pace as a result of digitization.

Training details

Started in February 2020, the FutureFit training revolved around developing digital skills and self-leadership. The participants underwent a cohort-based training via virtual classrooms with teachers and coaches for six weeks. Learners have also been supported by Doris, a gender neutral chatbot developed by Hyper Island, which nudged and supported the participants throughout the training programme.

“Absolutely the most rewarding and interesting programme I have ever participated in. A huge lift for me in both private and working life. Despite the program being remote, the mentors created a personal contact and presence that provided security and a sense of belonging with other course participants. Experience-based learning has been a red thread through the programme, through which I start from myself in every exercise, learned how to reflect, interpret, process and perform tasks from new perspectives. An important programme for today’s and tomorrow’s society. It really got me excited. Thank you so much!” - Anonymous participant

“Online training, flexible training and flipped classrooms are an integral part of Vision’s training activities now and will be in the future, in offering training to union representatives and members. The FutureFit programme has given us good proof that this is possible and effective even with a larger target group. We work continuously with external partners to achieve the best quality and impact, based on different training scopes and target groups.” - Vision

In Finland, we have collaborated with:

• Trade unions Transport Workers’ Union (AKT), Service Union United (PAM), and the Industrial Union of Finland (Teollisuusliitto Ry), who are members of The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK);
• Researchers from the social-change think tank Demos Helsinki;
• Training provider Finland’s Workers' Education Association (TSL).

The sector and participating employees

We worked directly with employers across the country to recruit and train 300 workers across 35 workplaces. In Finland, the training participants were retail cashiers (PAM members), transport sector workers (AKT members) and manufacturing workers (Teollisuusliitto members). Participating employer organisations include:

• Nokia Solutions and Networks Oulou
• MSK Cabins Oy
• Teknos Oy Pitäjänmäki
• Maler Oy Ylivieska
• Oras Oy
• Javasko Machines Oy
• Sampo-Rosenlew
• RKW Finland Oy
• Normet Oy
• Lassila&Tikanoja
• Perkin Elmer Wallac Oy
• Boliden Kokkola Oy
• Black Bruin Oy
• Savotek Oy
• SOL Palvelut Oy

Training details

Launched in October 2020, the programme trained 231 workers including a small group who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. The curriculum was tailored to the needs of the workers groups and consisted of 6 modules which largely focused on cloud services, communication at the workplace, information security and privacy, introduction to machine learning and AI, and continuous learning. Courses were held in-person at the workplace, during work time and across two to four consecutive days.

“It did affect [my perception of myself as a learner]. First, I was a little sceptical about the course. I wouldn’t have believed that I can still learn new things this well. [...] After all, learning new things turns out to be possible [and more successful] than I had previously imagined” – Anonymous Participant

“SAK got plenty of good feedback from stakeholders, and the media was very interested in our project. Our member trade unions were also very active and they felt that FutureFit was a very good project. Workers have demanded this kind of education” – The Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK)

In Denmark, we have collaborated with:

• Trade union HK Privat;
• Researchers from The Think Tank DEA in partnership with Anthropology Enterprise;
• Training provider IVAEKST.

The sector and participating employees

Launched in October 2020, the programme has trained 100 private clerical workers from major trade union HK Privat.

Training details

The training was designed to educate workers as 'digital change agents'. Training provider IVAEKST designed two curriculums which are tailored to commerce and service industries. These consisted of six modules focusing on digital customer service, GDPR, digital coordination and communication, online visibility and sale optimisation. Courses were held in person, and were offered both during work hours and in the evening.

“I would like to participate in more courses similar to this - It really supports and strengthens the opportunities of HK people.” Anonymous participant

In Belgium, we collaborated with:

• Trade unions The General Confederation of Liberal Trade Unions of Belgium (ACLVB Liberale Vakbond), The Union of Belgian Metalworkers Dutch (ABVV-Metaal) and ACV-CSC Metea;
• Researchers from HIVA Research Institute for Work and Society;
• Occupation training schemes MTECH + Oost Vlaanderen and MTECH + Vlaanderen.

The sector and participating employees (ongoing)

We worked directly with employers to train metalworkers from Volvo Cars, ABC Engines and Niko. Over 400 workers have been trained in Belgium, through a series of interactive workshops and learning modules.

Training details (ongoing)

The programme consisted of 2 elements: the DigiSmaakmaker, an interactive fair at companies over half a day to engage with and learn how to use technology; and custom-made training modules designed according to the needs of the participants and of their employers. The training was held in person during working hours or online depending on the employers preference.

“Thanks to the extra knowledge, I feel more confident in carrying out my tasks.” – Anonymous Participant

“All employee profiles will need to be adjusted in terms of digital skills. This digital awareness isn’t yet present among all employees. We want to motivate employees intrinsically to engage in lifelong learning paths. Both job content and training are evolving towards this digital trend.” – Mtech+

In The Netherlands, we collaborated with:

• Two branches of the Trade union Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV)- FNV Bouw and FNV Bondgenoten;
• Researchers from the Future of Work Hub at Utrecht University;
• Training providers SBI Formaat.

The sector and participating employees (ongoing)

We provided training to a group of construction workers and meat sector workers across the country.

Training details (ongoing)

The programme consistd of two practical and short interactive curricula run over two full days or four half days. The curricula was tailored to the specific needs of the construction and meat sector workers and covered: developing skills around the Internet, Microsoft Word, DigiD mine government, social media and privacy.

“I now feel like I want to learn more, look for more jobs and also have more contact with other people” - Anonymous participant

“FutureFit has given FNV the opportunity to support members to develop their basic digital skills. The target group is members with very low digital skills. They’re very vulnerable because of the increasing digitalisation of society and the labour market. FutureFit gave these members the opportunity to develop the first principles of digital skills” – The Federation of Dutch Trade Unions (FNV)

5 Countries confirmed (Finland, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium).

28 formal partners confirmed:

• 13 trade unions and confederations
• 6 research partners
• 9 training providers

1,109 learners completed training, 89% of which gained better digital skills through FutureFit.

18 employers supporting workplace training including some of the world’s best known companies such as Volvo, Nokia, Oras, Samsonite.

72 individuals Nesta is working with through the FutureFit partnerships.

9 sectors across the programme including retail, manufacturing, transport, IT, banking, meat, construction, metal and administration.

5 curricula designed to meet skills needs of workers including modules on using Google Suite, developing a digital mindset and encouraging motivation to learn.

4 tech interventions including AI chatbot, 100% online large-scale classrooms and gamification strategies.