Investments, Latvia, Markets and Companies, USA

It is the right time to adjust the skills of the workforce to the new reality of work. AmCham believes that the current momentum for the use of digital tools and remote work has set the ground for review of how workers are prepared and trained. With this in mind, AmCham proposes to revise the existing programs currently available for upskilling and retraining and adjust them to the real demand and relevance for a digital economy.

Promoting such skills as creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial mindset and multidisciplinary thinking will allow those who have been furloughed or lost their jobs due to COVID-19 crisis adapt to the transformation and become more resilient.

AmCham also proposes to identify various solutions and technologies already available for use free of charge that can contribute to the skills needed.

According to AmCham President Zinta Jansons: “With innovative and focused programs, the COVID-19 crisis can be turned into an opportunity to meet the upskilling challenge. AmCham has previously stressed the need to invest in the advancement of skills, however, now the time has come where bold action is needed to improve the program content available for upskilling and retraining of both the employed and unemployed. Refreshing the skills of the workforce should become a top priority for the public and private sector alike.”

Latvia's post pandemic economic recovery will largely depend on public investments in digitalization, education and upskilling of its workforce.

Proposals to improve the quality and content of upskilling and retraining programs are based on four stages: foundational skills, critical soft skills, technical skills and continued learning. To view proposals click here.

AmCham stands ready to engage in a dialogue with the Employment Agency and other stakeholders to support the improvement of training and acquiring critical skills to build a successful post-crisis economy.

AmCham speaks on behalf of more than 140 leading U.S. and international companies in Latvia. AmCham is committed to fostering trade, investment, partnership and friendship between the U.S and Latvia and it serves as a business, knowledge, networking and policy forum for its members and partners. AmCham’s actions are grounded in four core values: integrity, responsibility, cooperation and excellence.