Using Information and Communication Technologies to promote Education and Employment Opportunities for Immigrants and Ethnic Minorities POLICY BRIEF

This report gives examples of various initiatives all over Europe illustrating that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) contribute to the social and cultural integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities (IEM); facilitate the successful integration of migrant children and youth into Education and Training; and enhance vocational training and employment opportunities. ICT provide learning and training opportunities for adult migrants and ethnic minorities, fostering their language and cultural skills, fighting illiteracy, and training digital skills, thus promoting social integration. ICT make educational and vocational training accessible to youth and adult immigrants who are often disenfranchised from mainstream training opportunities. ICT tools assist in opening up employment opportunities for immigrants and ethnic minorities by improving recruitment procedures and matching immigrants’ professional profiles with employments needs. However, to seize the opportunities offered by ICT, access to computers and basic digital skills as well as digital competence need to be promoted. The mission of the Joint Research Centre is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of European Union policies. As a service of the European Commission, the Joint Research Centre functions as a reference centre of science and technology for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States, while being independent of special interests, whether private or national.