National Observatory of Employment and Training

National Observatory of Employment and Training (here­inafter referred to as the Observatory) operates as an analytical section of the NTF. It conducts research, collects data and analyses trends in the labour market and education in the context of ongoing technological and socio-economic changes. It has a long-standing interest in forecasting the skills needs of the labour market, including the development of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in this area. The aim is to systematically generate and analyse information on future employment trends, demands for occupations, qualifications and skills to better orient and inform the decision-making of labour market institutions, the education sector, employers and individuals. Recently, the Observatory team has also been focusing on current issues of changes in trends in occupational skill structures and changes in the nature of work in relation to the accelerating development of technology brought about by the so-called fourth industrial revolution and the development of artificial intelligence.

The Observatory cooperates with ministries, the European Commission, the OECD, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), major research institutes, universities and other partner institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad and participates in research projects under the European Horizon and Erasmus programmes. Since 2004, it has been cooperating in the ReferNet programme, where, under the leadership of the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training Cedefop, information is collected and studies on vocational training and the labour market in EU Member States are prepared for the needs of the European Commission. It is also included in the international SkillsNet network and its staff participate as expert consultants for the Czech Republic in the European Skills Needs Forecasting activities and are involved in the EU Skills Panorama project, which provides access to information, methodologies and analyses of the labour market and skills needs.

The Observatory provides the results of its research and expertise to the decision-making sphere and is also directly involved in the preparation of strategic documents. In the past, this included the Lifelong Learning Strategy, analytical support to the Office of the Government in evaluating and updating the National Policy on Research, Development and Innovation in the Czech Republic, strategic materials for the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs formulating the basic directions of initiatives in the area of Industry 4.0 and Work 4.0. In 2017–2020, the Observatory was one of the partners of the KOMPAS system project, which aimed to build a sustainable system of monitoring and forecasting of the labour market at the national and regional level under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Currently, from 2021, it is one of the implementers of the important STRATIN+ project, which provides analyses and strategic information for the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, other public administration bodies and research organisations in support of the design and implementation of development in the field of research, development and innovation.

Publications, articles, seminars, presentations and other outputs of the Observatory are used as a source of analyses, data and other information by professional departments, university teachers and students, journalists and the general public. The Observatory team is also dedicated to transferring experience and supporting foreign partners in developing labour market analysis and skills needs forecasting activities in their countries. Expert support projects have been implemented for Poland, Lithuania, Moldova, Armenia and Uzbekistan, funded by the World Bank, UNDP and other donors.

 

Projects

STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (STRATIN +)

Active project

The purpose of the project „Strategic Intelligence for Research and Innovation“ is to provide analytical capacity and data-based strategic information (i.e. strategic intelligence services) to public administrations and research organizations for the implementation of research, development and innovation policy.

Digital Individual Learning Accounts (DILA) in the Visegrad countries

Active project

The project is aimed at supporting Member States in developing an enabling frameworkfor Individual Learning Accounts and, in effect, contributes to increasing the number of adult learners. The main objective of the project is to model and test a data model that would allow using AI technologies for personalised training recommendations and efficient spending through a delivery mode such as Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs).

The project is financed by the European Union. 

ReferNet

Active project

The ReferNet network was set up by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training – Cedefop.

Its objective is to support the development of VET and evidence based policy making. It provides advice, research, analysis, information, and stimulates European cooperation and common learning. Its networks including ReferNet allow the centre to keep abreast of recent developments and to cooperate and share information.

SkillsNet

Active project

The purpose of the SkillsNet network is to bring together qualified researchers and other experts in the areas of employment, labour market and education. Their task is to address issues focusing on the rapidly changing requirements for the knowledge and skills of the workforce and on the methods of their identification so that education systems can respond to them in a timely manner through the training of both pupils and adults. The network was set up by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) in 2003.

Erasmus SUSMILE - Successful online learning for sustainable last mile logistics

Completed project

The SUSMILE project is a 2-year ERASMUS+ Strategic Partnership, that brings together 8 partners from 4 EU countries to build digital education readiness by addressing this challenge through the provision of effective and inclusive teaching tools, materials, resources and methods to ensure distance learning in the area of sustainable last mile logistics.

 
 

Opening Doors: Networked PhD Education

Completed project

OPENING DOORS is an EU (Horizon 2020 programme) funded project that addresses a gap that often exists in PhD education globally – the opportunity to work collaboratively with other early career researchers from different disciplines and countries on “real-world”, applied problems. Through extensive stakeholder engagement with PhD employers and graduates working in open science and open innovation networks across Europe, and PhD educators and employers based in academia, the Opening Doors team have come to an understanding of the kinds of competencies and personal attributes that are valued in these settings. Based on this understanding, we have iteratively co-designed an open, online educational course in Open Science and Open Innovation with our network of stakeholders, entitled: “Opening Your Research To Collaborative Futures”.

Survey on doctoral studies at the Brno University of Technology

Completed project

The analysis of doctoral studies at the Brno University of Technology focused on study requirements, economic conditions, motivation to study and reasons of dropping out. A questionnaire survey was conducted among current and former doctoral students of the university, on the basis of which the main problems of doctoral studies at individual faculties were identified. The outputs of the contract include recommendations for changes in the organization of doctoral studies in order to improve its conditions and results.

Managing migration with a special focus on Ukraine as a tool for reducing the workforce deficit and increasing the competitiveness of Czech industry

Completed project

The main objective of the project is to uncover the potential of the Ukrainian labor force to reduce the expected shortage of labor force in selected sectors of mechanical engineering. In addition, the key professions and skills that should be covered by foreign labor force together with proposed forms and content of educational programs and accompanying support measures to accelerate the adaptation and integration of foreign labor in the relevant segment of the Czech labor market will be identified. An aim is to create a methodology for measuring the success and efficiency of migration and the integration of workers and to propose indicators for continuous monitoring of the impacts of individual technical professions' deficits on the performance of enterprises in the mechenical egineering. Besides, labour force demands of the manufacturing sector in relation to Industry 4.0 are assessed.

SKILLS-CLOSE: The relationships between skills, schooling and labor market outcomes: A longitudinal study

Completed project

Comprehensive research project funded by Czech Science Foundation aimed on formation of skills and their relationship to labor market outcomes, as well as to evidence on skill creation and its impact in the Czech Republic.  In this project, National Training Fund will primarily focus on the skills of the adult population and their role in the labor market. Is is responsible for the part “Effects of skills on earnings and other labor market outcomes of adults”.

REPLAY-VET

Completed project

Strengthening Key Competencies of Low-Skilled People in VET to Cover Future Replacement Positions (REPLAY-VET)

REPLAY-VET is an ERASMUS+ strategic partnership which aims to provide the disadvantaged and low- skilled people with targeted opportunities to acquire the VET skills to cover the job vacancies in Europe resulting from replacement demand. 

SIMOVET - Smart information models to adequately adapt vocational training to the labour market needs

Completed project
 
The aim of the project is to collect quantitative and qualitative information on the skills needs of selected sectors, process them into a suitable form and use them properly in the educational system and in the counselling.

VET-EDS: Effective Forecasting as a mechanism for aligning VET and Economic Development Strategies

Completed project
 
The project focuses on mapping examples of good practice in order to make adapt educational system to the labour market needs in selected countries (Czech Republic, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, Sweden, Spain, and UK). The project also includes the development and use of information about the future development of skill needs.

REAL TIME LMI

Completed project

Real time LMI is project organized by Cedefop in cooperation with Interuniversity Research Centre on Public Services (CRISP), University Milano Bicocca. National Training Fund (NTF) is in this project as a member of the Consortium.

INKA

Completed project
 
The aim of project INKA was a mapping innovation environment in the Czech Republic from 2014 until at least by 2020. The result of mapping the innovation environment in the context of the gradual development of the recommendations takes into account the nature of subsidies and other support measures in the research, development and innovation. They have also been investigated the innovative potential and absorption capacity of the R & D organizations in the coming years. The role of NTF in the project was a subcontractor.
 

Malopolska Observatory

Completed project
Project duration: May 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015
Under this system project a transnational partnership with Regional Labour Office in Krakow is created. Project is based on partnership in two key activities when NVF transfers its knowledge and expertise to the Polish partner. 

Elaboration of Employment and sector‘s projections to 2033

Completed project
Project duration: May 29, 2014 – January 31, 2015

Activities under this contract belong to a large project titled „ Common approach of social partners to the preparation of economic sectors for changes in pension system – the 1st stage“, which was implemented by the Czech Confederation of Employer’s and Enterpreneur’s U­nions.

VISEGRAD INNOVATE!

Completed project
Project duration: 2014

This project was aim to create an independent framework for innovative research in the V4 countries and also served as a critical analysis of their innovation policies. The research was based on an interdisciplinary approach in order to get perspective on measurement of innovations and on instruments of public policy of V4 countries. The narrower and broader cooperation between experts from different backgrounds was helped to reconsider innovation policy in the V4 countries. Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic were part of this project.

Labour force monitoring and forecasting – Lithuania

Completed project
Project duration: October 30, 2013 – September 23, 2014
The main objective of the project is implementation of the quantitative skill needs forecasting model in Lithuania and production of first projection results. The development of a new modelling tool for Lithuania is based on the model used in the Czech Republic. 

Surveys and analysis commissioned by Masaryk University Brno

Completed project
Project duration: February 15, 2014 – August 30, 2014

The NOET elaborated a large analysis destinated to the Masaryk University which was focused on employability of Faculty of Sports Studies graduates. At one side it was based on the labour market development trends shown in economic sectors and professions suitable for the Faculty graduates. 

Foresights and forward looking scenarios approaches for anticipation of skill needs (ILO)

Completed project
Project duration: January 1, 2013 – July 31, 2014

NOET-NTF processes this contract for the ILO (International Labour Office). This project aims to map and compare approaches to foresighting and scenarios of the future development of skills needs in various countries, including the evaluation methods used and the roles that these approaches occupy in the broader context of the anticipation of skill needs the countries concerned.

AVISO

Completed project
Project duration: March 18, 2014-July 11, 2014
The project took place in the framework of an EU-cross-border-project (“EdTrans”) in which vocational schools from Austria and the Czech Republic exchange informations and experiences, including personal visits of teachers and students in the participating schools on the other side of the border. National Training Fund was assisted by fulfilling some tasks in the Czech Republic. The main organizer of the research was austrian organisation „Paul Lazarsfeld Gesellschaft für Sozialforschung“

THE EU SKILLS PANORAMA – Achieving Regional and Local Impact (ARLI)

Completed project
Project duration: April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014

The ARLI project seeked to utilise a system of mutual learning to gather good practices from regional and sub-regional experts across the partner countries and to use this to support both the EU Skills Panorama – online labour market information tool developed for the European Commission.

For the ARLI project, NVF work was based on its cooperation with several Czech regions where NVF develops regional information systems on labour market as a support tool for the regional government, PES and other users.

Analysis of human resources for research, development and innovation

Completed project
Project duration: November 1, 2010 – December 31, 2013

National Observatory provides analysis, information support and expertise to the Government The Research and Development Council in monitoring the implementation and design of new policy measures of the National Research, Development and Innovation Policy of the Czech Republic.

The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Technology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

Preparation and Realisation of an International PIAAC Survey

Completed project
Project duration: September 22, 2009 – December 31, 2013

PIAAC (three-year research project) is aimed at assessing the level of basic skills needed for success in everyday life and the labour market in adults aged 16–65 years. Maps also use these skills in everyday personal and professional life. The project is coordinated by the OECD. In the Czech Republic, research carried out in 2010–2013.

KONCEPT (Concept of Continuing Vocational Education and Training): System forAdjustment of Training Offer to Labour Market Needs

Completed project
Project duration: April 26, 2010 – March 31, 2012

Within the project Koncept, The National Observatory was responsible for elaboration of information products on the labour market skill needs. These products were aimed at several target groups including Sector Skills Councils, creators of The National Qualifications Framework, CVET providers as well as CVET guidance and counselling services providers.

KONCEPT (Concept of Continuing Vocational Education and Training): CVT Monitoring

Completed project
Project duration: April 26, 2010 – March 31, 2012

The second task of The National Observatory within the project Koncept was to design a system for CVET monitoring in the Czech Republic, including components of data gathering, analysis, presentation and delivery of outputs to end users). Within this activity was also created online information system called „DV Monitor“ (www.dvmonitor.cz – only in Czech).

Developing and piloting an employer survey on skill needs in Europe

Completed project
Project duration: March 31, 2010 - 1Q 2012

The aim project was the development, preparation and piloting employers survey across the EU, focusing on the future need for skilled labour.

The National Training Fund was involved in the project as a member of the international multi-disciplinary team of experts for research educational and skill needs. NTF was participated in the development and formulation of the overall concept a questionnaire survey.

Research Centre for Competitiveness of the Czech Economy

Completed project
Project duration: January 1, 2005 – December 31, 2011

Research Centre for Competitiveness of the Czech Economy consists of three organisations (Faculty of Economics and Administration of Masaryk University in Brno, Centre for Economic Studies and National Observatory).

Research was implemented in four interlinking components – growth performance and stability, institutional quality, innovative performance and the quality of human resources.
The National Observatory was responsible for the fourth component.

Transferable skills across economic sectors – Role and importance foremployment at European level

Completed project
Project duration: January 1, 2010 - February 28, 2011

The overall aim of the project was to identify transferable skills and their role and importance with regard to the employability, adaptability and occupational mobility of people on the labour market. The project leader was RPIC-VIP.

Monitoring of Short-time Trends in Labour Market Demand

Completed project
Project duration:  February 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010

The aim of this research project was to find comprehensive information about the extent and changes in job evaluation and short-time trends of their development.

Labour Market Institute (LMI): Activity 5 – System for Analyses and Forecasts of Skill Needs

Completed project
Project duration: March 31, 2007 - July 31, 2008

The objective of the LMI project, which run in five pilot regions was to streamline public employment services and improve their quality and accessibility for various groups of clients. Partners in the project included the National Training Fund, the Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

The National Observatory implemented Activity 5 which was focused on proposing a system for regular analyses and forecasts of skill needs in the labour market, and for their use by employment services in their operations. The work included evaluation of foreing approaches to analyses and forecasts, and a proposal for methods to be employed in the CR.

TrainSME

Completed project
Project duration: October 1, 2004 – March 31, 2007  

TrainSME (Innovative vocational Training approaches in Small and Micro Enterprises) was aimed at the improvement of the vocational training system in small and micro enterprises. The project elaborated and adapted tools for the assessment of vocational training needs in small and specifically micro enterprises and models for the creation of training programs which are meeting the needs of employees and enterprises and support innovation processes. The TrainSME project has been funded with support from the European Commission.

FORJOBS – Forecasting Jobs and Skills

Completed project
Project duration: 2008 – 2009

The aim of the FORJOBS project was to develop innovative instruments and methodologies intended to allow partner institutions to assess professional and training needs in their areas of interest. The project was based on the provision of an econometric model for the forecasting of employment stocks and flows to three out of four partners (NEA, SEPECAM and National Training Fund).

Employers needs survey – graduates of technical and natural sciences fiedsoftertiary education

Completed project
Project duration: 2009

The aim of this study was to analyze the preparation of HR in this field at the level of tertiary education in the Czech Republic and in the EU along with the analysis of transition of this graduates into the labour market and their competency to fill a particular job.

Knowledge Society – Requirements on Human Resources Skills and ContinuingTraining

Completed project
Project duration: 2004 – 2009

This project was implemented as part of the programme „Modern Society and Its Changes“ run by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Main implementer was the National Observatory that worked on the project with two partners – the Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs and the Institute of Sociology of the Academy of Sciences of the CR. 

Unequal Access to Education: the extent, sources, social and economicconsequences, policy strategies

Completed project
Project duration: 2004 – 2009

This project was carried out as part of the research programme of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the CR „Modern Society and Its Changes“. The main implementer was the Institute of Sociology of the Academy of Sciences.

In the project the National Observatory was focused on the issue of continuing education and training (the factors involved and barriers to participation).

Future Skill Needs in Czech Energy Industry

Completed project
Project duration: 2008

The study analyses future skill needs in production and distribution of electricity, gas and heating in the Czech Republic in 2007–2016 period. It also addresses expected situation on labour markets in related sectors (particularly mining and manufacturing of fuels, mechanical engineering or services related to energy consultancy, projecting and design).

Overseas Information Monitor Reports

Completed project
Project duration: 2007 – 2008

A total of five thematic analytical/des­criptive reports were gradually developed as part of the project. They provide information about the system of vocational education and training (VET), the labour market and the related legislation in the Czech Republic. The contracting authority is the Japanese OVTA (Overseas Vocational Training Association).

YOUTH – Young in Occupations and Unemployment: Thinking of their better integration in the labour market

Completed project
Project duration: 2007 – 2008

The project aimed to develop a comprehensive overview of the current European approaches to integrating young people into the labour market, and to choose those practices that have the potential of improving the current and future situation in this area.

In addition to the NTF the partners included the Italian CESOS and the Hungarian Szent István University Gödöllö.

Support of Elderly People Employment

Completed project
Project duration: 2005 – 2007

A project implemented by the Research Institute for Labour and Social Affairs that aimed to identify the situation and problems as regards the employment of elderly people. In particular, attention was paid to developing a range of appropriate suggestions on which decision makers could draw in implementing suitable solutions in line with the situation in the labour market.

The team of the National Observatory was responsible for analysing and articulating suggestions for appropriate solutions in the area of the development of the competencies and skills of elderly workers and their continuing education and training.

Lifelong learning strategy

Completed project
Project duration: 2006 – 2007

The objective of the project was to develop strategic materials building on European and national strategic documents that would identify the strengths and weaknesses in various sectors of lifelong learning and set the main strategic directions and measures for further development.

The team of the National Observatory was in charge of analysing and articulating strategic measures in the area of continuing education and training.

Mid-term skills supply and demand forecast

Completed project
 
National Training Fund is part of the project team focused on medium-term forecasts. The leader of team is the Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER). The role of the National Training Fund consists in processing partial analysis of professional skills and characteristics.