In this episode, we break down common myths about gender equality in the labour market with ETF expert Outi Karkkainen.

First, the idea that "women don’t matter to economic growth" is simply false—data shows that increasing women’s employment could boost GDP by up to 25%.

Yet, many governments and businesses remain slow to act. Another misconception is that "vocational and technical jobs are for men."

Many training programmes reinforce outdated gender roles, discouraging women from entering fields like plumbing, engineering, and IT.

Should gender quotas be introduced to level the playing field? And how can we encourage girls to explore STEM from an early age?

We also challenge the belief that "women prefer to stay home and raise kids." While caregiving is often seen as a natural role for women, societal expectations play a huge role in shaping these preferences. Finally, we examine the myth that "the digital economy is more gender-inclusive."

Despite the promise of remote work and flexible careers, tech remains male-dominated, and online platforms still reflect traditional inequalities. What policies could truly change this—beyond just diversity initiatives?

Tune in to hear expert insights on how we can build a more equal future.

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya, ETF

Will AI take over jobs, or will it create new opportunities? Can education keep up with the rapid pace of technological change? Should we ban AI in schools—or embrace it as a learning tool? In this thought-provoking episode of The Skills Factory, AI and Future of Work expert David Timis explores the real impact of AI on jobs, education, and the skills we need to thrive in an automated world.

🔹 Is banning AI in schools the right move—or does it do more harm than good?
🔹 Why are traditional education systems failing to prepare students for the future?
🔹 Which skills will be most valuable in the AI-driven job market?
🔹 How can employees future-proof their careers against automation?

Join us as we dive into the critical skills of the future, including digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, and AI fluency. Whether you’re an educator, a professional looking to upskill, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!

🎧 Listen now and get ahead in the AI revolution.

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya

In the 45th episode, Khalid El-Metaal, rector of the United World College of the Adriatic and educator with decades of experience, shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities in today’s education system. We discuss the the complexities of social media and screen time, and the role of digital tools in students' lives: is banning or restricting access the solution?

We also dive with Khalid into what skills will be most important for future generations to thrive, thinking about the value of traditional skills like memorisation, language learning, and last but not least, the empathy. 

Finally, we tackle the crucial topic of student motivation. With the world facing so many challenges—global conflicts, a changing job market, and constant shifts in technology—keeping students engaged can feel daunting. Khalid shares practical strategies for teachers, like fostering student autonomy and emphasizing the growth mindset, which can help to many educators out there! 

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya

In the 44th episode of The Skills Factory we feature David O'Sullivan, EU Special Envoy for the Implementation of Sanctions, reflecting on the transformative events following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. O'Sullivan recounts the historic moment from his perspective, witnessing Europe's optimism for a peaceful and united future. 

In this conversation we explore the European Union's efforts to support post-Soviet countries through education and skills development. we discover the origins of the Tempus Program and the European Training Foundation, initiatives aimed at fostering skills development and cooperation between the EU and its neighbours. We get the chance to learn first-hand story about how ETF was conceived in response to a European summit in 1989.

O'Sullivan’s career highlights a broader theme in the EU’s evolution: the delicate balance between openness and security. While the Union once prioritized building bridges, it now must also build defences. Yet, as O'Sullivan himself emphasizes, the values that defined the EU’s early years—education, critical thinking, international cooperation—remain vital even in times of conflict.

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya

In the 43rd episode we dive deep into the evolving landscape of work, education, and personal motivation in the 21st century. 

We explore the challenges posed by aging workforces, continuously changing jobs, and the need for lifelong learning as people are expected to change careers multiple times. Guests discuss how to rekindle passion in those disillusioned by work and the importance of aligning career paths with personal interests. 

The conversation also highlights how AI and automation redefine our understanding of intelligence and the future of jobs, emphasizing emotional intelligence and creativity as key assets. Engaging, insightful, and forward-looking, this episode offers a compelling take on navigating work and life in an era of rapid change.

Listen to the full episode if you'd like to discover 3 practical tips on how to thrive in the learning of the future.

The speakers for this episode are:

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya

In this 42nd episode of The Skills Factory podcast, we explore the intersections of climate change, education, and gender equality with Bareen Haval, an activist and educator from the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

As 2024 is projected to be the warmest year on record, we dive into the urgent challenges posed by climate change and its impacts on education. How can regions grappling with conflict and displacement also address environmental sustainability?

- What role does education play in raising awareness about climate change, especially in regions where basic needs like water are a pressing concern?

- How are women in Kurdistan, who face unique cultural challenges, leading the fight against climate change?

- And, what are the broader implications of AI and technological advancements for education in regions facing such critical issues?

If you're interested in how education, gender, and climate action converge in one of the most complex regions of the world, this episode is a must-listen.

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya

In this 41st episode of the Skills Factory podcast series, we discuss with Carl Wieman, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and professor at Stanford University, the future of education and the impact of artificial intelligence on learning.

If you are curious about the evolution of education, this episode is for you!

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya

Are you curious to know how the green transition intersects with gender equality?

Are women being left behind in the renewable energy sector, just like they were left behind in the traditional energy industry?

How can we ensure that the green transition is not only sustainable but also inclusive?

How can we provide green skills to women?

To learn more about the critical need for gender mainstreaming in the green sector, and discover the surprising statistics and real-world initiatives that are driving change, listen to our latest podcast of the Skills Factory series. 

Our guests speakers are:

Gwenaelle Avice Huet, Executive Vice President of Europe Operations and Gender Ambassador for Skilling and Empowering Women in Energy Transition, Schneider Electric

Romain Boitard, Human Capital Development Expert, ETF

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya, ETF

Is something missing from the agenda of COP conferences?

Whilst diving into the biggest global conferences on climate change, where political leaders from all over the world discuss and look for solutions to benefit our planet, we’ve asked ourselves: Is something missing? What about green skills and green education? What’s the point of having access to technologically advanced devices – such as solar panels or electric cars – without having skilled people to install them, repair them or maintain them?

In this 39th episode of our podcast series, ETF expert Romain Boitard explores some strategies to bring green skills high on the political agenda of the COP29 conference in November in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In this episode we discuss the evolving landscape of education with Riel Miller, Futures literacy expert. Traditional models of learning are being challenged by technological advancements, globalisation, and shifting societal values. We'll dive into the complexities of preparing students for a future that is characterised by uncertainty and ambiguity.

- How can schools adapt to meet the diverse needs of learners in a rapidly changing world?

- What role does technology play in shaping the future of education, and how can it be leveraged effectively to enhance learning outcomes?

Riel Miller presents his vision of the future where education is not confined to the walls of a classroom but extends into all aspects of life.

Host: Maria Lvova Zolotarevskaya