> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 🛠️ Skills and Workforce #56 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/skills-and-workforce-56/ - Published: 2025-12-01T13:24:48.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-01T13:24:47.000Z - Description: QS Skills newsletter explores global labor trends, reskilling initiatives, and workforce gaps across impact sectors. Dive into the latest insights on Green Skills, Advanced Manufacturing, AI and Digital, and Health Skills. - Author: QS - Tags: Skills & Workforce 📊 ****Want to get more insights, but on a chart?** ****Subscribe to our** [****Chart of the Day newsletter**](https://newsletters.qs.com/tag/charts/) **Hello 👋** This week’s global labor landscape highlights contrasting trends. Job markets show resilience, with [Malaysia’s](https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/malaysias-jobless-rate-improves-to-30-in-q3-total-hours-worked-up?ref=newsletters.qs.com) unemployment rate falling and the [ILO](https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/ilo-strengthens-employment-services-and-labour-market-links-iraq%E2%80%99s?ref=newsletters.qs.com) strengthening employment systems in Iraq. Meanwhile, AI-driven productivity in the [US](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/23/economy/jobless-boom-ai-federal-reserve?ref=newsletters.qs.com) displaces traditional roles, reshaping workforce demands. Nations accelerate upskilling initiatives across key sectors. The US and Taiwan align a [$165B](https://www.varindia.com/news/US%E2%80%93Taiwan-Trade-Talks-Aim-to-Strengthen-Chips,-Skills,-and-Supply-Chains?ref=newsletters.qs.com) semiconductor investment with skills development, [Thailand](https://news.microsoft.com/source/asia/2025/11/25/ministry-of-labour-and-microsoft-join-forces-to-accelerate-ai-skill-development-for-150000-thai-workers-driving-thailand-towards-becoming-creator-nation-in-digital-economy/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and [Microsoft](https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/1127/1546063-microsoft-ai-ireland/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) launch national AI reskilling programs, and Nasscom and IBM upskill [80,000 youth](https://m.economictimes.com/jobs/fresher/nasscom-ibm-to-train-87000-underserved-youth-with-future-ready-digital-skills/amp%5Farticleshow/125584970.cms?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in AI and digital skills. The green transition advances through ADB’s [$36M](https://laotiantimes.com/2025/11/24/adb-approves-usd-36-million-to-boost-skills-employment-for-lao-youth/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) green skills program, Sweden’s [$41M](https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/stegra-secures-41-million-in-swedish-grant-for-green-steel-project-93CH-4379953??ref=newsletters.qs.com) fossil-free steel plant, and Queensland’s [$4.5M](https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/press-releases/queenslands-first-mobile-renewable-energy-training-facility-powering-skills-for-a-sustainable-future/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) mobile renewable training labs. In healthcare, [J&J](https://www.jnj.com/j-j-care-community/bridging-the-gap-new-j-j-carecommunity-collaborations-support-70-000-health-workers-across-latin-america?utm&ref=newsletters.qs.com) upskills 70,000 Latin American workers, [Tulane University](https://news.tulane.edu/news/tulane-builds-path-strengthen-public-health-workforce?ref=newsletters.qs.com) launches workforce development programs, and [Wales](https://businessnewswales.com/virtual-pathology-academy-launches-to-strengthen-wales-healthcare-workforce/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) introduces a virtual pathology academy. From GM’s [$250M](https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/topic/us/en/2025/nov/1120-GM-US-manufacturing-investments-250M-commitment-Parma-Metal-Center.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) investment in Ohio to India’s [Industry 4.0](https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/iit-tirupati-cems-vizag-sign-mou-to-boost-industry-40-skills-1025696?ref=newsletters.qs.com#google%5Fvignette) initiatives, momentum signals a global shift toward building human capital and workforce resilience. Thanks for reading! [Subscribe Now](https://newsletters.qs.com/#/portal/) --- ## Global Labor Market Trends **🤝 ILO Strengthens Employment Services and Labour Market Links in Iraq.** The International Labour Organization is enhancing public employment services in Iraq to improve job-matching and labour market information systems. This initiative aims to strengthen the link between [skills training](https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/ilo-strengthens-employment-services-and-labour-market-links-iraq%E2%80%99s?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and market demands, supporting the country's economic recovery and workforce development. **📊 Malaysia's Jobless Rate Improves to 3.0% in Q3 as Hours Worked Increase.** Malaysia's unemployment rate fell to [3.0%](https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/malaysias-jobless-rate-improves-to-30-in-q3-total-hours-worked-up?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in the third quarter, reflecting a positive trend in the labor market. The improvement was accompanied by a rise in total hours worked, indicating stronger utilization of the existing workforce and broader economic resilience. **💼 AI-Driven Productivity Boom Masks Rising Joblessness in Key US Sectors.** The US economy shows a paradox where AI-driven productivity gains coincide with [rising joblessness](https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/23/economy/jobless-boom-ai-federal-reserve?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in administrative and clerical roles. This trend complicates the Federal Reserve's economic outlook as efficiency improvements suppress labor demand in certain industries. --- ## Green Skills 🌱 **ADB Invests $36M to Boost Green Skills in Laos TVET.** ADB allocates [$36M](https://laotiantimes.com/2025/11/24/adb-approves-usd-36-million-to-boost-skills-employment-for-lao-youth/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to modernize Laos’ TVET schools, introducing EV, ICT, and industrial electrical training. This project will upgrade climate-resilient facilities, train teachers, expand short courses, and increase female participation, while helping youth acquire green, job-ready skills. 🏭 **Sweden Grants $41M to Stegra for Fossil-Free Steel Plant.** Stegra received [$41M](https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/stegra-secures-41-million-in-swedish-grant-for-green-steel-project-93CH-4379953??ref=newsletters.qs.com) from Sweden's Energy Agency to build a hydrogen-powered steel mill in Boden. The funding will support fossil-free iron production, accelerate the green steel transition, and strengthen workforce skills in sustainable industrial technologies, complementing ongoing private and public capital-raising efforts. ⚡ **Queensland Launches $4.5M Mobile Renewable Energy Training Facilities.** TAFE Queensland invests [$4.5M](https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/press-releases/queenslands-first-mobile-renewable-energy-training-facility-powering-skills-for-a-sustainable-future/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to deploy mobile units delivering solar, wind, hydro, and hydrogen training to regional communities. This initiative provides micro-credentials, XR learning, and train-the-trainer resources, enhances local workforce skills, and supports apprenticeships through partnerships with Allweld Manufacturing. --- ## Advanced Manufacturing Skills 💻 **US-Taiwan Talks Aim to Boost Semiconductor Skills and $165B Investment**. US and Taiwan negotiate a deal linking TSMC’s [$165B](https://www.varindia.com/news/US%E2%80%93Taiwan-Trade-Talks-Aim-to-Strengthen-Chips,-Skills,-and-Supply-Chains?ref=newsletters.qs.com) US investment with structured skills-transfer programs. The agreement targets workforce development for advanced chip fabrication, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and fosters sustainable semiconductor talent while supporting trade and technology collaboration. 🏭 **GM Invests $250M in Ohio Parma Metal Center to Strengthen Workforce Skills.** GM allocates [$250M ](https://news.gm.com/home.detail.html/Pages/topic/us/en/2025/nov/1120-GM-US-manufacturing-investments-250M-commitment-Parma-Metal-Center.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com)to Parma Metal Center to enhance sheet metal production and equip employees in advanced manufacturing, STEM, and apprenticeship training. The investment complements $5.5B in 2025 US manufacturing commitments, boosting workforce capabilities and domestic supply chain resilience. 🏗️ **IIT Tirupati Partners With CEMS to Train Industry 4.0 Workforce**. IIT Tirupati and CEMS launch[ training programs](https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/iit-tirupati-cems-vizag-sign-mou-to-boost-industry-40-skills-1025696?ref=newsletters.qs.com#google%5Fvignette) in Digital Manufacturing, EVs, Industrial IoT, Factory Automation, and Microgrid technologies. Partnership upskills professionals through Siemens- and Wipro-supported initiatives, strengthening competencies for India’s Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 transition. --- ## AI & Digital Skills 🚀 **Thailand Launches Major AI Upskilling Program With Microsoft**. Thailand partners with Microsoft to train [150,000 workers](https://news.microsoft.com/source/asia/2025/11/25/ministry-of-labour-and-microsoft-join-forces-to-accelerate-ai-skill-development-for-150000-thai-workers-driving-thailand-towards-becoming-creator-nation-in-digital-economy/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), including unemployed and mid-career professionals, in AI and digital skills. The program develops national trainer networks, provides reskilling pathways, and builds workforce readiness aligned with Thailand’s digitalization goals 🔍 **Microsoft to Invest $6M in Upskilling Ireland’s Workforce.** Microsoft commits [$6M](https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2025/1127/1546063-microsoft-ai-ireland/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to train Irish workers, SMEs, and public sector staff in practical AI skills. The program offers certifications and technical training, aiming to enhance workforce competitiveness, productivity, and national digital skill development. 📘 **Nasscom and IBM to Boost India’s AI workforce**. Nasscom Foundation and IBM launch a program to upskill [87,000 underserved Indian youth](https://m.economictimes.com/jobs/fresher/nasscom-ibm-to-train-87000-underserved-youth-with-future-ready-digital-skills/amp%5Farticleshow/125584970.cms?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, and professional skills. The initiative includes mentorship, hands-on learning, and hybrid delivery to strengthen the digital talent pipeline. --- ## Health Skills 🌿 **J&J CareCommunity to Upskill Health Workers in Latin America**. Johnson & Johnson’s CareCommunity collaboration trains [70,000 health workers](https://www.jnj.com/j-j-care-community/bridging-the-gap-new-j-j-carecommunity-collaborations-support-70-000-health-workers-across-latin-america?utm&ref=newsletters.qs.com) through hybrid programs, technical training, and leadership development, enhancing primary care, digital care skills, and workforce capacity across Latin America. 📘 **Tulane University Launches Health Workforce Development Program**. The workforce development program offered by Tulane University in Louisiana [upskills](https://news.tulane.edu/news/tulane-builds-path-strengthen-public-health-workforce?ref=newsletters.qs.com) public health workers across fields such as health policy management, epidemiology, and biostatistics through technical certifications and hands-on training, particularly targeting educators, physicians, nurses, and administrators. 🏥 **Wales Launches Virtual Pathology Academy to Upskill Workforce**. Wales establishes a Virtual Pathology Academy to train biomedical scientists and lab technicians. The program delivers centralized digital education, expands diagnostic skills, and strengthens workforce capacity across the UK’s health system. --- **Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at [qs.com](https://www.qs.com/contact-us/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)