Migrant Workers Perspectives on Targeted Training Pathways: A Comparative Analysis Across Four European Countries

Context: European countries increasingly rely on migrant workers to address labour shortages, yet significant challenges remain in the recognition and utilisation of migrants’ skills and qualifications. While national VET and integration systems differ considerably, less is known about how migrants experience these processes of recognition across different destination countries. Approach: This paper presents a comparative mixed-method analysis of migrant workers’ experiences in Norway, Lithuania, Italy, and Germany within the Horizon Europe SKILLS4JUSTICE project (S4J). Survey and interview data were analysed to explore access to qualification recognition, vocational education and training (VET), and employment. Findings: Despite significant differences in institutional arrangements, migrants reported similar challenges across countries. Language proficiency emerged as a key factor affecting access to training, qualification recognition and employment opportunities. Bureaucratic complexity, lengthy recognition procedures and administrative barriers often delayed labour market integration and contributed to underemployment and deskilling. Migrants frequently relied on employers, private actors and informal networks to navigate these obstacles. Conclusions: The findings suggest that differences in national VET and integration systems do not necessarily eliminate the barriers migrants face in translating their qualifications into labour market opportunities. Strengthening language support, simplifying recognition procedures and improving access to coordinated support services remain crucial for fostering more equitable pathways into education, training and employment.