Employers are struggling to find skilled workers. How can we fix the job skills gap? Apprenticeships are touted as one possible solution. They combine on-the-job training with classroom learning, allowing employers to recruit and train people to meet their skills needs. According to the OECD, there are huge opportunities for apprenticeships to expand into a wider range of sectors. But many countries are failing to take full advantage of them. In this episode of Top Class, Doug Walton, an Associate at research and consulting firm Abt Global, and Dr. Bryan Coyne from the Faculty of Business & Social Sciences at Atlantic Technological University in Sligo, Ireland, discuss how people and businesses can make the most of apprenticeships.
Learn more by reading the latest research shared at the 2025 joint Cedefop-OECD symposium: New fields for apprenticeship: https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/events/2025-joint-cedefop-oecd-symposium-new-fields-apprenticeship
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How to ensure quality early childhood education and care for all
The early years of a child's life are crucial for their development. Falling behind early can mean never catching up. How can countries ensure lasting benefits from early childhood education and care? In this episode of Top Class, Stephanie Jones, the Gerald S. Lesser Professor in Early Child Development at Harvard University, and Professor Henrik Zachrisson from Centre for Research and Equality in Education at Oslo University, discuss with OECD Editor Duncan Crawford ideas to ensure that all young children get lasting benefits from early education.
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How to help disengaged teenagers learn
How can you help disengaged teenagers rediscover their passion for learning? In this episode of Top Class, Rebecca Winthrop, a Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution, discusses ideas from the new book she has co-authored called ‘The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better’ with OECD’s Director for Education and Skills Andreas Schleicher. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or simply interested in the topic, this episode outlines practical strategies and policies to make education engaging and relevant.
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LA wildfires: What educators can do when disaster strikes
Wildfires raging in Los Angeles have destroyed thousands of homes and forced the closure of hundreds of schools. As communities try to rebuild following the destruction, including the burning down of schools, what can teachers do to support students? In this episode of Top Class, Developmental-Behavioural Paediatrician David Schonfeld, Director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, speaks to OECD Editor Duncan Crawford about the critical role educators play during times of crisis.
The National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement helps children and communities deal with trauma and grief. You can learn more about it here https://www.schoolcrisiscenter.org/
Learn more about the OECD’s work on well-being here https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/teachers-well-being_c36fc9d3-en.html
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What skills are needed for the AI and green jobs era?
As technologies transform businesses, what critical skills are needed to succeed in the workforce of the future? With artificial intelligence, the green transition, globalisation and much more all impacting the world of work, there is an urgent need for policymakers, educators and businesses to respond. In this episode of Top Class, we explore what needs to happen to ensure people can develop the right skills to prosper in the years ahead. Stefano Scarpetta, the OECD’s Director of Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, and the Chief Economist at LinkedIn, Karin Kimbrough, tell OECD Editor Duncan Crawford how people can adapt and upskill to ensure they don’t get left behind.
Want to learn more about taking a skills first approach? Read: https://oecdedutoday.com/unfilled-job-vacancies-a-skills-first-approach-can-help/
Want to learn more about the OECD Survey of Adult Skills? Read our Insights and Interpretations brochure: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/support-materials/2024/12/survey-of-adult-skills-2023_1ab54c9e/PIAAC2024_InsightsInterpretations_FULL.pdf
About Top Class: The OECD Education Policy Podcast | Teachers, PISA, Students
Everything you need to know about teaching and learning in one podcast. Top Class, the OECD Education Podcast, interviews leading educators, researchers and policy experts about the big issues facing education systems around the world.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed and arguments employed on the "TopClass" podcast and the recordings contained therein do not necessarily represent the official views of the OECD, its member countries, or non-members who have participated in any related work. This site may display third party videos or recordings. The inclusion of such videos or recordings does not imply any endorsement of, or responsibility for, the opinions, ideas, or information presented in these videos. The "TopClass" podcast is subject to the Disclaimers section of the General Terms and Conditions of the OECD website. http://www.oecd.org/termsandconditions/
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