Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a future scenario but a present reality rapidly reshaping the European labor landscape. According to Cedefop data, over 25% of the adult workforce in the EU already utilizes AI tools, while six out of ten employees are expected to see their tasks undergo significant changes in the coming years.
Greece's Progress and Persistent Challenges
Greece has marked substantial progress over the last decade, reducing the rate of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) from 24.1% in 2015 to 13.6% in 2025. However, the country remains above the EU average of 11%, making rapid adaptation to technological shifts imperative.
The economic incentive for acquiring digital skills is evident. A PwC study (Global AI Jobs Barometer 2025) highlights that:
- Workers with proven AI skills enjoy a wage premium of up to 56%.
- Sectors with high AI exposure record a fourfold increase in productivity growth.
- Employment continues to grow even in roles vulnerable to automation, provided workers learn to collaborate with new tools.
Towards a New Collaborative Model
For a successful transition, the adoption of practices from the German "dual system" and the Scandinavian lifelong learning model is suggested. A strategy for Greece could be built on four pillars:
- Apprenticeship Programs: Focusing on working "with" AI rather than just learning "about" it.
- Institutional Cooperation: Continuous redesign of training by DYPA and industry bodies (SEV, Chambers).
- Business Incentives: Tax or subsidy incentives for reskilling existing personnel.
- Mentoring: Knowledge transfer from experienced executives to young employees.
In a country with an aging population, investing in AI training is not a luxury but an economic necessity to maintain competitiveness and boost worker earnings.
