Migrants Trust E-learning Platform

Fostering Migrants Employment in the Construction Sector

Globally, construction accounts for 11-13% of the global GDP. One of the main objectives of the Construction 2020 EU Strategy refers to the improvement of the human capital basis in order to boost both the performance of companies and the EU competitiveness in this sector. Boosting new competencies of the sector’s workforce is a key aim of the BUILD UP Skills initiative with specific attention to vocational training and the digital component. Construction is one of the top 10 principal sectors of employment for migrants in the EU and globally since migrant workers can be found in considerable numbers in construction domains and thus their contribution to the construction industry is important worldwide. However, according to the latest report of the European Construction Sector Observatory (2020), there are several specific barriers to the training of building workers, which are linked to the lack of new technologies that support the access of migrant workers to training. Cultural and linguistic barriers may also pose a difficulty in attending training. Thus, low-skilled migrant workers are at risk of losing their jobs.

According to CEDEFOP, globalization and technological changes have affected the EU construction and building workers forcing them equipped with new skills (technical, soft, and language skills). For this reason, there is more need for VET support in this sector, while establishing partnerships between sectorial companies and VET providers is another important issue. However, as CEPS indicates there is still a lack of investment in skills training by construction companies, due to a variety of reasons (market failures, unaffordable costs, etc.). One more challenge that should concern the construction industry is the informal experience of migrant workers and their prior learning recognition.

Last but not least, language learning of construction terminologies was happening on-the-job place and time until now. However, COVID-19 impact has affected this type of learning due to the demand of keeping social distancing and working as remotely as possible.

MiTRUST aims to develop and deliver an innovative digital tool with the intention to support migrants who would like to work in the Construction Sector to acquire the necessary language competencies, soft skills, and proper behaviors on the construction site. Taking into consideration that, according to ILO 2016, migrant workers can be found in considerable numbers in construction domains and according to Eurostat, construction is one of the top 10 principal sectors of employment for migrants in the EU and globally, the project focuses on targeted open and distance learning opportunities which will offer better career perspectives to migrants who want to be transferred in an EU country and to enter in construction industry labor market away from social exclusion and marginalization. Besides, access to learning offerings and enhancement of employability is one of the most efficient ways for Migrants' successful Integration into the recipient EU societies.

Who this course is for?

Migrants working or supposed to work in the Construction Sector

Target group