Integration of Emerging Technologies in Dual Education in the European Union and Romania: Trends and Challenges

Abstract

The development of new emerging technologies, together with the continuous transformation of labour market requirements, has increased the importance of dual education. Dual education represents an educational and training system concerned with incorporating theoretical knowledge acquired after studying in educational units with practical training in the corporate field.This concept aims to develop young people’s professional competencies in order to promote their integration in the labour market. The main players within dual education are economic operators who are responsible with the practical training and employment integration of the participants. The purpose of this paper is to analyse dual education and the role of emerging technologies within this framework. The research is based on an exploratory analysis involving the examination of a series of statistical data. The results indicate that dual education in Romania has developed progressively in recent years and shows further growth potential in the period ahead. Nevertheless, regarding individuals’ digital competencies, Romania remains below the European average across several indicators. Consequently, there is a clear need to further develop digital competencies at the national level in order to facilitate young people’s labour market integration and to support the educational process innovation.