Romania education audit reveals gap between school skills and labor market

An audit by the Romanian Court of Accounts has revealed a significant disconnect between the skills acquired by high school students and the actual requirements of the labor market. The report, titled ‘Performance Audit: Educational Response to Labor Market Requirements’, highlights that curricular policies are updated without systematic consultation with employers.

While curricula are adjusted based on digitalization and international educational trends, the lack of direct involvement from the business sector limits the correlation between student competencies and employer needs. The audit notes that while technological and vocational education often feature partnerships and internships, theoretical high schools lack such direct links, focusing instead on general competencies.

The report also points to broader educational challenges in Romania, including low PISA rankings, high dropout rates, and functional illiteracy. It suggests that the current system fails to ensure many students possess the necessary skills for societal integration and professional employment.