BLENDED EMPLOYMENT POLICY
EMPLOYMENT ACADEMY
TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTIVITY AND STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION
FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
22 JUNE – 10 JULY 2026
ONLINE PHASE: 22 JUNE – 3 JULY 2026
FACE-TO-FACE PHASE: 6 – 10 JULY 2026
Information Note
INTRODUCTION
Beyond responding to shocks and crises, countries across the world are confronting deeper structural
challenges. Progress in employment quality has slowed in many contexts, disparities between and within
countries persist, and large shares of workers remain in low-productivity and informal employment.
Furthermore, productivity growth has slowed in many regions of the world. At the same time, rapid
technological change – including artificial intelligence – demographic shifts and the transition to
environmentally sustainable economies are reshaping labour markets and development pathways.
Evidence shows that productivity and decent work tend to advance together. Progress on decent work
depends on gains in productivity, and conversely, better jobs make for more productive work. However,
large disparities exist in the strength of this relationship and in the pace of progress. In many countries,
productivity gains have not translated into adequate job quality and job creation, and structural
transformation remains incomplete.
Jointly organized by the ILO Employment, Skills and Sustainable Enterprises Department, and the ITCILO
Employment Policy and Analysis Programme (EPAP), the Academy will explore how countries can pursue
a high road to productivity: one that combines economic upgrading with effective social dialogue and
policy coherence, as the only pathway to deliver sustainable growth, decent work and social justice for all.
OBJECTIVE
The Academy will provide a platform for exchange among policymakers, workers’ and employers’
representatives, and practitioners on practical approaches to foster productive employment in the
context of technological, demographic and green transitions. In doing so, it will strengthen participants’
understanding of the productivity–decent work nexus and enhance their capacity to design coherent
policy responses to structural change. More specifically, the Academy will help you to:
z Deepen your understanding of the relationship between productivity and decent work at
macroeconomic, sectoral and enterprise levels;
z Analyse global trends in productivity, including patterns of convergence and divergence across
countries and sectors;
z Examine the implications of technological change, demographic shifts and green transitions for
productive employment;
z Explore how skills systems and enterprise upgrading can support technological change, productivity
growth and improvements in job quality;
z Strengthen your capacity to promote policy coherence across employment, sectoral, and
macroeconomic policies;
z Enhance your understanding of the role of social dialogue in shaping inclusive and productivity-
enhancing structural transformation.
Employment Academy
2
FORMAT AND LEARNING JOURNEY
The Academy will combine expert inputs, data-driven discussions, country case analysis, action-oriented
analytical sessions, applied group work and structured tripartite dialogue simulations. It will integrate
macro, sectoral and enterprise-level perspectives, as well as policy response design. Gender equality and
inclusion will be mainstreamed throughout the programme.
The initiative will adopt an inclusive, participatory, and dynamic learning approach, combining online
and in-person segments to maximize engagement. The first phase, lasting two weeks, will be conducted
online, followed by a one-week in-person phase at the ITCILO campus in Turin, Italy. Completion of both
phases is mandatory to receive the ITCILO certificate.
The learning journey follows a structured narrative that moves from evidence to policy and from diagnosis
to concrete action:
Phase I: Why does the relationship between productivity and decent work matter
for prosperous economies and social justice?
O N L I N E , T H R O U G H I T C I L O E C A M P U S P L AT F O R M ( 2 2 J U N E – 3 J U LY )
Through interactive webinars, participants will explore:
z what is productivity, and how it is measured;
z technological change and AI, and their impacts on productivity;
z the macro–meso–micro foundations of the relationship between productivity and decent work;
z global trends and patterns of convergence and divergence;
z structural transformation, sectoral pathways including sectoral pluralism, enterprise-level productivity.
This phase will be hosted on the ITCILO eCampus and will include two main types of activities:
z Self-paced learning materials
z Live interactive webinars
Six two-hour webinars will be conducted. Participants should plan to dedicate approximately 15 hours to
complete this phase before traveling to Italy.
Phase II: What shapes productivity and decent work, and what can policymakers,
enterprises and social partners do?
FA C E -T O - FA C E AT I T C I L O C A M P U S I N T U R I N , I TA LY (6 – 10 J U LY )
The in-person phase will deepen the analysis of the structural forces shaping productivity and decent
work and examine how these forces interact with institutions, sectoral structures and enterprise behavior.
Building on the evidence discussed during the online phase, participants will explore both the drivers of
productivity and the policy and enterprise-level levers that can influence outcomes.
During the week, particular emphasis will be placed on policy coherence across macroeconomic, sectoral
and employment policies and the importance of social dialogue in ensuring that productivity gains
translate into better jobs. Discussions will also address the role of skills systems and enterprise upgrading.
Employment Academy
3
The face-to-face phase will offer a rich, interactive experience where participants can shape their own
learning journey. Key activities will include:
z Plenary sessions with keynote speakers on cross-cutting topics. These sessions will spark debates
and encourage sharing of experiences and best practices, featuring keynote interventions followed by
open exchanges.
z Hands-on thematic tracks run in parallel. Participants can choose from a range of interactive
courses focusing on problem solving and cocreating solutions
THEMATIC TRACKS
During the face-to-face phase, participants will take part in a series of elective thematic tracks designed to
deepen discussion and facilitate applied learning.
Participants will be able to choose between different tracks that address both the structural drivers
of productivity and decent work, and the policy and enterprise-level approaches that can promote
productivity upgrading and decent job creation.
A set of tracks on drivers will explore how demographic change, green transitions and technological
developments interact with sectoral structures and labour market institutions to shape the pace and
direction of productive transformation and development pathways to decent work. These discussions will
consider both the challenges and opportunities associated with structural change, as well as the role of
institutions, coordination and social dialogue in securing inclusive outcomes.
A second set of tracks will focus on the levers available to strengthen the productivity-decent work nexus
in practice. Discussions will address a range of policy approaches, mechanisms and solutions including
how skills systems and lifelong learning can support productivity upgrading, as well as enterprise-level
productivity and enterprise upgrading, with particular attention to micro, small and medium-sized
enterprises.
Across all tracks, emphasis will be placed on policy coherence, institutional capacity and tripartite dialogue
as essential elements for translating productivity gains into decent work and social justice.
*Please note that the Academy’s content outlined in this information note is indicative and may be subject to
further refinement based on ongoing research and analysis. A more detailed note will be circulated in due
course.
TARGET AUDIENCE
The Academy is designed for:
z Policymakers, policy advisors, planners and technical experts from relevant institutions;
z Government officials from Ministries of Labour and other relevant line ministries, including Ministries
of Economy, Finance, Planning, Industry and Central Banks;
z Representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations;
z Staff from international and regional organizations, donor agencies and academic institutions, as well
as ILO staff.
The participation of full tripartite country delegations (government, workers and employers) is strongly
encouraged to support integrated dialogue and policy coherence. The Academy promotes the equal
participation of women and men.
Employment Academy
4
METHODOLOGY
The Academy is learner-centred and participatory. It will be facilitated by a pool of ILO experts, ITCILO
officials and other subject experts. Different learning techniques will be applied in order to facilitate
collaborative building of knowledge and experience sharing. Time will be dedicated to the presentation
of national experiences and group work. The Academy will provide the opportunity to get acquainted
with Future Foresight techniques and offer AI- and technology-enhanced activities as well as a learning
platform hosted at the ITCILO eCampus.
All learning materials will be made available on the online learning platform. Participants will have access
to resources from all thematic tracks, including materials related to electives they did not select.
WORKING LANGUAGES
The Academy will be delivered in English, with French interpretation provided throughout the programme.
Learning materials will be available in both languages. Participants may discuss and present the results of
group activities in their preferred language.
CERTIFICATION
After successfully completing all required activities, participants obtain an official ITCILO Certificate of
Participation in Digital Credentials Format.
Employment Academy
5
HOW TO APPLY
The application form in English is available here: https://oarf2.itcilo.org/STF/A9719123/en
Kindly submit your application by 30 April 2026. Selected applicants will be contacted as soon as possible
to confirm their participation, allowing them to arrange travel to Turin and, where required, initiate the
visa application process.
COST OF PARTICIPATION
Tuition: 2,020 Euros
Subsistence: 755 Euros
Total fees: 2,775 Euros
The ITCILO has a limited number of fellowships that may cover part of the tuition and subsistence costs.
Please note that these fellowships do not cover international travel expenses and are available only to
participants from developing countries. Eligible candidates who apply early will be given priority.
W I T H D R A WA L , C A N C E L L AT I O N P O L I C Y, z 14 days or more prior to the start date of the course:
AND REFUNDS FOR OPEN COURSES No penalty, 100% refund of amount paid less applicable
If an enrolled participant wishes or must withdraw from a bank charges
course, they may choose to apply to a different course or be z 8 to 13 days prior to the start date of the course:
substituted by another candidate. The participant must notify Penalty of 50% of course price, refund of residual amount
the Centre, in writing, of their decision at least 14 days prior paid (if any) less applicable bank charges
to the start date of the course. Cancellation of participation in z 7 days or less prior to the start date of the course:
regular courses will result in the following penalties: Penalty of 100% of course price.
INFO
FOR FURTHER INFORMAT ION
PLE A SE CONTAC T
International Training Centre of the ILO
Employment Policy and Analysis Programme (EPAP)
Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10
10127 Turin – Italy
[email protected]
www.itcilo.org COURSE CODE: A9719123
Copyright © International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization, 2026. All rights reserved. Cover image © Adobe Stock/Ipopba
Saatja: "ILO-BIT-OIT" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "ILO-BIT-OIT" <
[email protected]>
Teema: REMINDER: Employment Academy 2026
Kuupäev: 2026-05-06 14:53
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on välisvõrgust saabunud kirjaga.
Tundmatu saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE
NOTE VERBALE
Ref.: ILO/RELOFF/06-05-2026/13
REMINDER: Employment Academy 2026
The International Labour Office presents its compliments to the Permanent
Missions and Governments of States Members of the International Labour
Organization (ILO) and has the honour to convey information to their
representatives on this year’s edition of the Employment Academy, which will
be held around the theme “Technology, Productivity and Structural
Transformation for Social Justice”.
The Academy is jointly organized by the Employment, Skills and Sustainable
Enterprises Department of the ILO and the Employment Policy and Analysis
Programme of the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Turin,
and will take place in a blended format.
The Academy will consist of two complementary phases: an online phase from
22 June to 3 July, followed by an in-person phase in Turin, Italy, from 6 to
10 July 2026. In the latter, participants will take part in a series of
elective thematic tracks that address the structural drivers of productivity
and decent work, and the policy and enterprise-level approaches that can
promote productivity upgrading and decent job creation. It will explore how
countries can pursue a high road to productivity, one that combines economic
upgrading with effective social dialogue and policy coherence, as the only
pathway to deliver sustainable growth, decent work and social justice for
all.
The Academy is designed for:
* Policymakers, policy advisors, planners and technical experts from
relevant institutions;
* Government officials from Ministries of Labour and other relevant
line ministries, including Ministries of Economy, Finance, Planning,
Industry and Central Banks;
* Representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations;
* Staff from international and regional organizations, development
partners and academic institutions.
The participation of full tripartite country delegations (government,
workers and employers) is strongly encouraged to support integrated dialogue
and policy coherence.
The Academy will be conducted in English, with French interpretation
provided throughout the programme. Learning materials will be available in
both languages. Participants may discuss and present the results of group
activities in their preferred language.
More information about the Academy and the link to the application form are
available in the information note attached and on the ITCILO website
<https://www.itcilo.org/courses/employment-academy> .
Any questions on the Academy may be sent to
[email protected]
<mailto:
[email protected]> .
The International Labour Office avails itself of this opportunity to renew
to the Permanent Missions and Governments of States Members of the ILO the
assurances of its highest consideration.
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.
-----------------------------------------
This electronic message may contain confidential, proprietary or privileged
information intended solely for the use of the named recipient. The ILO is
not liable for any error or virus connected with this transmission.
-----------------------------------------
Ce message électronique peut contenir des informations confidentielles, ou
spécialement protégées, à la seule intention du destinataire. L'OIT ne peut
être tenue responsable des erreurs ou des virus qui s'y trouveraient.
-----------------------------------------
Este mensaje electrónico puede contener información confidencial o
especialmente protegida para el uso exclusivo del destinatario indicado. La
OIT no se responsabiliza en caso de error o virus.
-----------------------------------------