In the context of the double economic and health crisis in Lebanon, the European project CONECTE offers innovative solutions to support the education sector. The project is specifically intended to support Lebanese universities in their digital transition, by linking their skill supply to future jobs.

The main objective of this project is to improve the employability of students and graduates, especially in sectors and jobs affected by the digital revolution. Hence the project introduces forecasting models to anticipate the future trends in the labor market as well as the future needs for digital skills, allowing Higher Education Institutions and training centers to and to offer innovative teaching and trainings (online courses, assessment in job situations and work-based training), in order to reduce, or even fill, the digital skill-gap. Through its innovative approach, the CONECTE project enhances the information system in the Lebanese labor market and tackles the skill-shortages through a collaborative virtual learning environment (VLE). Moreover, it introduces a Lebanese framework for work-based learning, for assessment in work situation and for alternating work-study training (the French model of Alternance). It also aims to create a real synergy between the different stakeholders involved in graduate’s employability (firms, universities, guidance and innovation centers, Chamber of commerce, etc.). These networking activities are crucial to guarantee the sustainability of its achievements.

The project introduces macroeconomic studies and forecast intended to anticipate future trends in the labor market in a context of digital transformation. The results of these studies will allow students and graduates to optimize their career decisions. Higher Education Institutions will also be able to strengthen their professionalizing academic environment and to adjust their skill supply to future demand. Improving the information system in the Lebanese labor market through forecasting studies would reduce the skill-gap and assist decision-makers in the definition and implementation of Active Labor Market Policies.

Through its virtual learning environment and laboratories, the project allows the production and sharing of innovative and online educational content, thus enhancing the dissemination of digital culture and soft skills, and matching graduates’ profiles with market needs.

Work-Based assessment and learning are powerful levers for improving the employability of students. Through this innovative approach, the project aims at creating solid links between the universities and firms. A Lebanese framework for work-based learning relies on skills that are produced, assessed and enriched within the work environment.

Building a network of existing structures within universities, and including a wide range of companies and socio-economic partners, are two necessities, aiming to create an integrated ecosystem, with various synergies and multiplicator effects. Creating such an ecosystem would indeed ensure the sustainability of various capacity-building projects aimed at reducing the gap between skills supply and demand. It would also allow young people to acquire the soft skills that are most needed for their professional career.Building a network of existing structures within universities, and including a wide range of companies and socio-economic partners, are two necessities, aiming to create an integrated ecosystem, with various synergies and multiplicator effects. Creating such an ecosystem would indeed ensure the sustainability of various capacity-building projects aimed at reducing the gap between skills supply and demand. It would also allow young people to acquire the soft skills that are most needed for their professional career.

Coordinated by Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth and its Faculty of Economics, CONECTE is a European project (funded under the Erasmus + Capacity Building in Higher Education program), with a budget of 932,641.67 euros.