As the job market evolves rapidly with digital transformation and globalisation, and sustainability taking centre stage, the skills employers seek are shifting. While technical knowledge remains important, recruiters are increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate strong interpersonal capabilities (soft skills vs hard skills). In the context of Erasmus+ vocational education and training (VET) mobilities, students are uniquely positioned to develop both hard and soft skills that enhance their employability and adaptability across Europe. 🌍
🎓 What are Hard Skills?
Hard skills are the technical, job-specific abilities typically acquired through formal education, training programmes, or on-the-job experience. These skills are often measurable, certifiable, and directly applicable
to a specific occupation or industry. Examples include software proficiency, mechanical expertise, data analysis, foreign language fluency, or culinary technique.
Examples in VET mobilities:
Learning precision machining in an automotive company
Acquiring digital marketing tools during an internship in a tech startup
Practicing food preparation methods in an hospitality school
Using CAD software in a manufacturing environment
Performing electrical installations under supervision in a construction project
🤝 What are Soft Skills?
Soft skills are non-technical skills that influence how individuals interact, collaborate, and adapt in the workplace. These include communication, teamwork, time management, leadership, problem-solving, resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Unlike hard skills, soft skills are more challenging to quantify but are just as essential—if not more—in the modern job market.
Examples in Erasmus+ contexts:
Navigating intercultural environments during a placement abroad
Adapting to new work cultures, languages, and routines
Managing personal schedules and responsibilities during a mobility experience
Engaging in teamwork through multinational group projects or shared accommodation
Developing initiative and autonomy when dealing with unexpected challenges
📊 Which Skills Are More Important in 2025?
While hard skills remain a baseline for employability, the future of work places increasing emphasis on soft skills. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report and LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report, the top skills employers seek in 2025 include analytical thinking, active learning, resilience, stress tolerance, creativity, and leadership.
In practice, many employers report that technical skills can be taught on the job, while soft skills are harder to instil. For instance, a student may know how to operate machinery but struggle to work in a team or manage time effectively. Erasmus+ helps close that gap by putting learners in real-life environments where they must apply both sets of skills simultaneously.
🚀 Erasmus+: A Unique Skills Accelerator
Erasmus+ VET mobility offers a comprehensive platform for learners to build both hard and soft competencies. By placing students in real work settings abroad, Erasmus+ provides hands-on industry experience coupled with valuable cultural and personal development. Participants not only gain technical proficiency but also grow as communicators, problem-solvers, and adaptable individuals.
This dual development is what makes Erasmus+ alumni stand out: they’re not just work-ready, but world-ready. In an increasingly interconnected and competitive job market, this combination is essential for success.
For VET providers, integrating Erasmus+ mobilities into training programmes is a strategic way to meet labour market needs and equip students with future-proof skills.
📣 Partner with Training Europe for Your VET Mobilities
Are you a school or VET provider planning to boost your students’ employability and international experience? 🌟 Let Training Europe be your trusted partner in Erasmus+ mobility projects. With years of expertise, a vast European network, and tailored support, we help schools organise high-quality internships, accommodation, logistics, and cultural integration.
📩 Contact us today to start designing your next erasmus + mobility project or explore our VET Mobility Programmes.
Let’s empower your learners with the skills they need to thrive in 2025 and beyond! 🚀
Soft Skills vs Hard Skills
soft skills vs hard skills
German student learning administrative tasks during Erasmus+ internship in Spain
Students introduction at a restaurant.
German student starting her internship in adminstration in Córdoba.
Hairdresser students at the saloon!
Marketing and communication training!
Mechanics studnets wit their colleagues at the garage!
Tourism internships!
Introduction of the students at the company!
