Competencies for the 21st Century: Is Education Keeping up with Industry 4.0?

New technologies and industrial advancements directly impact the field of education. Therefore, a rapid adaptation of modern education to all the innovations and demands of the labor market is necessary and essential. These transformative shifts require a certain degree of flexibility, innovation, and a focus on building key competencies within the educational system. Students should develop competencies in creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, the use of digital technologies, as well as socio-emotional skills that include teamwork, collaboration, advocating for one’s opinion, listening, and negotiation. The new education paradigm presents a challenge that society has been facing for years due to resistance to change, lack of resources, and the need to adapt institutional frameworks. The research aims to determine the perception of competency for jobs and future areas of work among final-year graduate students at the University of Slavonski Brod in Croatia. Mechanical engineering, economics, eco-engineering, future teachers and preschool teachers were included in the research. Data were collected through online surveys, and participation was voluntary and anonymous. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: participants’ socio-demographic characteristics and assessments of competencies in the areas of creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, the use of digital technologies, and socio-emotional development. Research results show differences in the perception of competencies among students from different study programs, as well as a general sense of possessing the competencies needed for work in the 21st century. Curriculum innovation and the promotion of lifelong learning are essential elements of education for the future.