The Estonian Qualifications Authority conducts OSKA sectoral and thematic studies and prepares cross-sectoral forecasts of labour and skills needs and supply, known as general forecasts.
What makes OSKA’s sectoral and thematic applied research on labour and skills needs unique is the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and the analysis of professional training across all educational levels.
Various data sources are used, including statistical data, registry data, and information gathered through interviews and group discussions with industry experts.
On average, five economic sectors are analyzed annually, with all sectors undergoing analysis approximately every five to ten years. In the intervening years, the sectoral expert group monitors the implementation of the recommendations made based on the study conclusions and the labour demand forecast. The expert group supports the OSKA research team by assessing the impact of future trends and development strategies on sectoral development, validating the study conclusions, identifying issues related to labour and skills needs, and proposing solutions.
Thematic studies are conducted on broader topics related to labour or skills (e.g., foreign labour, ICT skills needs in the labour market, etc.).
The central unit of analysis in OSKA studies is the main occupational field. A main occupational field is a group of occupations that are critical to the functioning of the sector and require sector-specific competencies.
In the quantitative analysis, data from relevant registries and surveys are used: national statistics, various registries (Tax and Customs Board, Estonian Education Information System, etc.), data consolidated in the OSKA data model, international databases, and more.
In addition, information about labour, skills, and education in the sector is collected from sector representatives through interviews and group discussions. The interviews address future trends affecting the economic sector and the resulting changes in labor and skills needs, sector-related education, and suggestions for improving the professional training of specialists.
Once a year, OSKA updates its general labour forecast for the labour demand over the next 10 years. Every three years, a more detailed labour and skills need forecast report is compiled, covering changes in labour demand, developments in the labour market, and the trends influencing them.
