Self-employment skills to navigate 21st century labour market and take advantage of GIG economy possibilities
Context
The ‘gig economy’ is a new and rising provision of labour services enabled by the latest technological revolution, accelerated by the pandemic. Workers gain access to clients worldwide, “transcending the constraints of their local labour markets” (Graham et al. 2017). By helping workers smoothen the transition into other sectors or jobs, this project offers communities a more speedy recovery following the COVID-19 crisis, particularly for workers in rural areas where other job opportunities are stagnant. However, it also applies to more aged workers, workers with limited mobility, marginalised workers (such as migrants) and workers that require more flexibility.
Aim of the project
The goal is to develop an all-in-one learning program (MICRO-COURSES, GIG-WORK LIKE SCENARIOS, and CAREER PLANNING TOOL). It should help unemployed adults increase their framework of skills so that they could have work remotely, independently, on a small portion of a bigger job, in short-term engagements and on a non-permanent basis, as in the GIG ECONOMY.
Impact
The project will support unemployed adults to take advantage of the GIG economy and develop the skills they need to be self-employed, small contractors or micro-entrepreneurs. The program will increase their digital, transversal, and entrepreneurial skills. It also offers knowledge in accounting, negotiation and self-management, needed in smart working situations.
Results
- Set of MICRO-COURSES paired with GIG-WORK LIKE SCENARIOS and TASKS to help gain competencies needed in the labour market and the gig economy.
- CAREER PLANNING TOOL to motivate and guide adults in increasing their proficiencies and create more job opportunities with a skills assessment program to facilitate the skills acquired through this non-formal learning experience.
- Educators’ toolkit: instructions for educators running the program with a group of participants.
Report on the GIG ECONOMY in Italy, Germany, Sweden and Malta.
The report the findings made by the partners in their local analyzes and in research conducted at national (Germany, Italy, Malta, Sweden) and community level (using different sources and relevant materials and studies). This document is a summary of the research conducted by the partners. The document includes a framework with the skills and attitude of a person interested in working in these contexts.
To find out more, download the RESEARCH ON THE GIG ECONOMY
CAREER PLANNING FOR GIGGER
The profile of the GIGGers is that of an independent worker, who benefits from the freedom and flexibility offered by their employment status. At the same time, they feel the lack of support from more traditional employers and perceive anxiety about their socio-economic situation (https://hbr.org/topic/managing-yourself).
The document will offer educators a clear guideline to support adults in need of skills to be employed in the GIG ECONOMY. The (digital) document presents the landscape of the gig economy in the EU, a clear description of what the gig economy is and how to be ‘efficient’ in it; the legal conditions in the partner countries, the sectors most likely to employ gig workers, the platforms used and other elements of this trending phenomenon. The document can be used by educators (mentors, coaches, career counsellors…) to support ‘would-be giggers’ in the learning process or by adults studying independently, to gain inspiration and learn new skills.
Document available from September 2023
PROGRAMME TO SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS. BECOME A GIGGER!
The GIGGERS programme consists of:
Micro-lessons: a series of short and practical theoretical content to illustrate to ‘would-be giggers’ the general process of working by objectives, working with others remotely, dealing with several clients at the same time. The aim of the course is to make adult participants aware of the working conditions and opportunities offered by the gig economy, illustrating the skills and abilities they need to develop in order to be effective and professional as self-employed workers.
Scenarios for testing acquired skills: a series of role-plays and exercises based on activities that participants will have to carry out working in groups. The scenarios are not ‘digital’, they are instructions that they will read or receive orally from a trainer (by e-mail, via a platform or text message…) and will have to complete using the tools they have at their disposal. This will be a true simulation of their work and will activate their skills and creativity to complete the work.
All products will be available from December 2023
Newsletter of April 2023 – click here!
Projects news
Project’s information
- Duration 24 months. It starts on 01.09.2022 and finishes on 31.08.2024.
- ID 2022-1-DE-KA220-ADU-000086609
ENG TO DO
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.