Galway, Ireland – 2026-02-25
Alison is making a significant impact across the European Economic Area (EEA), as over 2.5 million Learners are using the free online empowerment platform to build practical skills and strengthen career prospects. This milestone comes at a time when employers and policymakers across the region are grappling with persistent labour and skills shortages that are reshaping labour markets and career pathways.
Across the EEA – encompassing EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland – ongoing demographic change, digital and green transitions, and shifting employer demands are driving a need for continuous reskilling and upskilling. As employers compete for talent with the right combination of technical and transferable skills, individuals who can demonstrate capability quickly are better positioned to advance in today’s dynamic workforce.
As Labour Market Pressures Rise, Demand for Upskilling Grows
Labour and skills shortages are becoming more pronounced across many occupations in the EEA. Annual reports on labour market imbalances from the European Employment Services (EURES) network highlight tightening labour markets, where companies face competition for workers willing and able to work in high-demand roles such as healthcare, construction, engineering, and information and communication technology (ICT).
Persistent mismatches between the skills employers seek and those held by available workers have also been documented by European policy agencies. The European Commission’s annual Employment and Social Developments in Europe review notes that labour shortages and skills gaps are being found across diverse occupations, from STEM and healthcare to construction and services, partly driven by demographic change and the need for digital and green skills.
These pressures are driving interest in lifelong learning and upskilling. Recent EURES analysis emphasises the importance of improving the quality of education and training to prepare people for the labour market and bridge the gap between job vacancies and skills supply.
Northern Europe: Ageing Populations and Skill Demand
In Northern and Western Europe, labour shortages are being shaped by demographic ageing and a shrinking working-age population. Employers in Germany, the Netherlands, and the Nordic states report difficulty filling roles that require both advanced technical skills and practical experience. As the working population ages, organisations are increasingly seeking younger and mid-career workers with up-to-date skills to sustain productivity and innovation.
In response, many Europeans are turning to flexible online learning models that allow them to balance career commitments with the development of new skills. By focusing on competencies that align with evolving labour market needs, these Learners can move into roles where demand outpaces supply.
Southern Europe: Skills Mismatches and Recruitment Challenges
Across Southern Europe, tight labour markets and skills mismatches have also emerged as major concerns. Companies frequently report that applicants lack the right combination of technical and interpersonal skills needed for available roles, particularly in dynamic sectors such as digital services, logistics, and healthcare.
In regions still recovering from structural economic shifts and high youth unemployment, practical, career-focused learning is helping individuals enhance their employability without the cost and time barriers of traditional education. Flexible skills development pathways are becoming increasingly recognised as a way to adapt to changing employer needs and migrate towards high-growth sectors.
Eastern Europe and Cross-border Mobility
In parts of Eastern Europe, labour market imbalances are compounded by outmigration of skilled workers to other EEA countries, exerting additional pressure on local labour supplies. While cross-border mobility enables career opportunities for many, it also highlights the need for scalable skills development solutions that support both retention and upward mobility within national markets.
Across the region, digital platforms are lowering barriers to accessing career-relevant courses and allowing Learners to engage with skills development alongside work and other commitments.
From Learning to Real Career Outcomes
As demand for skilled talent intensifies across the EEA, the ability to build and demonstrate applied capability is becoming a defining advantage for both individuals and organisations.
Alison supports this shift through more than 6,000 CPD-accredited Certificate and Diploma courses aligned with high-growth areas, including tech, business operations, sustainability, and workplace leadership.
For SMEs and organisations navigating hiring constraints, Alison also provides a free Learning Management System (LMS) that allows teams to access large-scale training without upfront cost, supporting internal mobility and workforce development.
With over 2.5 million Learners across the EEA choosing Alison, online learning is emerging not as supplementary education, but as a practical infrastructure for workforce adaptability.
Across a region defined by demographic ageing, digital transformation, and evolving employer expectations, one reality is clear: those who invest early in relevant skills will define the EEA’s next chapter of economic resilience and growth.
Ends
Resources
Beyond thousands of free courses, Learners across the EEA can also access free Psychometric Tests to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. These include Aptitude Tests (Verbal, Numerical, and Abstract Reasoning), a Workplace Personality Assessment, and a Mental Wellbeing Assessment. To help Learners create standout CVs, Alison also provides a free Resumé Builder. Learners can also download the Alison App on iOS and Android and access Offline Learning.
Media contact
For further information, contact the media team at [email protected].
About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered Learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited Learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numeracy, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, Learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App.
In 2026, Alison will launch a Global Recruitment Service to directly connect skilled, motivated Learners with hiring employers. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives – no matter where they live or what they earn.
