World Youth Skills Day on 15 July is a timely reminder of the need to equip everyone - including young people – with the skills they need to access and thrive in on the labour market. Both government and private sector have a key role to play in tackling the digital skills gap. As part of a holistic investment in the future of work, IBM SkillsBuild, a free education programme, is changing this status quo, by incentivising a skills-first approach and fostering diversity and inclusion. This programme has helped 1.72 million registered participants globally gain valuable new skills and access new career opportunities. Many of these participants come from some of the very populations that are underrepresented in technology today: girls, women, disadvantaged communities and refugees. Learn more about this and other stories of American companies’ commitment to the communities they interact with and the places they call home on Invested in Europe.
Invested in Europe: How IBM is bridging the digital skills gap
World Youth Skills Day on 15 July is a timely reminder of the need to equip everyone - including young people – with the skills they need to access and thrive in on the labour market. Both government and private sector have a key role to play in tackling the digital skills gap. As part of a holistic investment in the future of work, IBM SkillsBuild, a free education programme, is changing this status quo, by incentivising a skills-first approach and fostering diversity and inclusion. This programme has helped 1.72 million registered participants globally gain valuable new skills and access new career opportunities. Many of these participants come from some of the very populations that are underrepresented in technology today: girls, women, disadvantaged communities and refugees. Learn more about this and other stories of American companies’ commitment to the communities they interact with and the places they call home on Invested in Europe.
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Brainy in Brittany
Along with beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine, Brittany is a hub for cutting-edge innovation, thanks to strategic investments in research and technology. InterDigital established its largest research centre in Rennes in 2019, employing local engineers to develop next-generation video, wireless and artificial intelligence technologies. The company partners with the French Research Institute for Computer Science and Automation and the University of Rennes 1, fostering collaboration with researchers and students. In 2025, InterDigital was awarded ‘Produit en Bretagne’ accreditation, recognising its regional impact. Learn how InterDigital is investing in European innovation and talent through its state-of-the-art Rennes facility on Invested in Europe.
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Moving from classroom to career
Across Europe, the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills continues to grow. In Romania, Honeywell is helping bridge that divide through long-term partnerships with universities and schools that prepare students for careers in industrial automation, aerospace and transport. Over the past decade, the company has established and equipped automation labs, supported innovation competitions such as FutureShapers Camp and Techallenge, and offered internships that provide practical, hands-on experience. By helping young people apply classroom theory to real-world challenges, Honeywell is nurturing next-generation talent and strengthening the link between education and employment. Learn how initiatives like Honeywell’s are supporting Europe’s future workforce on Invested in Europe.
Sponsoring the skills of success
3M is investing in vocational education and skills development across Europe, underscoring its commitment to building an inclusive, future-ready workforce. As the Main Skills Sponsor of EuroSkills 2025, held in Herning, Denmark, the company supported around 600 young apprentices and students from 33 countries as they showcased their talents across 38 skill areas, in everything from mechatronics to health and social care. By providing innovative products, solutions and technical expertise, 3M empowered participants to tackle complex challenges, while developing practical capabilities and connecting with leading companies and prestigious education and training institutions. Through its partnership with EuroSkills, the company is helping strengthen Europe’s skills ecosystem and equip the next generation with the tools needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving labour market. Learn how initiatives like 3M’s are shaping Europe’s workforce on Invested in Europe.
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