Launched: November 2024
The challenge
The economic system of the Bari Metropolitan Area faces several critical challenges, posed by the impacts of globalisation, climate change, urbanisation, and changing consumer demands. The area’s youth unemployment rate of 34.5% is significantly higher than the European average, and as such, is a major concern. Additionally, the percentage of young people (15-29 years old) not in employment, education, or training (NEET) compared to the EU average of 13.1%, stands at 23.8%. A large gender gap further complicates the employment landscape. The issues are compounded by challenges around LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace, where many individuals report discrimination. Addressing this gender gap and issues is crucial for ensuring opportunities for development and growth within the community, with studies showing that closing the gender gap could increase the region’s GDP by 7.5% by 2030.
The ambition
The Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) for Bari aims to tackle the pressing issues of youth unemployment, gender inequality, and skills gaps through a comprehensive strategy. The partnership envisions creating an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable metropolitan ecosystem by aligning training programmes with labour market needs. By 2027, the RSP aims to engage 15 organisations in the partnership, with the goal of hosting 12 communication and awareness events, and conducting 10 skills needs analyses to inform training and upskilling efforts. The partnership will focus on facilitating 25 upskilling and reskilling actions, specifically targeting the development of digital and green skills to support the transition to a sustainable economy. This initiative will engage 150 participants in training actions, prioritising inclusivity with balanced representation across gender, age, and geographic origin. By developing two new training models for digital and environmental skills, the RSP will position Bari as a centre of innovation and sustainable growth in Southern Italy, with a focus on driving digital transformation and supporting the green transition.
The commitments
The Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) for the Bari City and Metropolitan area partnership pledges to undertake various initiatives to realise its objectives. Firstly, it aims to develop tailored training programmes that meet labour market demands by enhancing links between education institutions, businesses, and local authorities. Secondly, it aims to develop joint strategies to address skills gaps in key sectors, using skills needs analyses to inform continuous training provision. Thirdly, the partnership will strengthen its skills certification and validation system to ensure quality and accessibility for all. Supporting women, youth, and vulnerable individuals through mentoring and specialised training in green entrepreneurship is another key objective. Finally, the partnership aims to expand its partnerships and access funding from national and regional sources to sustain its long-term skills development efforts.
Learn more about the Bari City & Metropolitan Area Skills Partnership.
