Professional Training in Public Administration in Romania during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Professional training is a basic element in the professional development of any employee, especially considering the evolution of the last months, marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and important economic and social changes. The crisis caused by the pandemic and the disappearance of many jobs, forces employees to professional conversions or to sharpen the area of activity by acquiring new, sometimes challenging skills. The aim of the study is to analyze the professional training activity in the public administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify the advantages and disadvantages of training in the online system, the efficiency of this type of training, as well as the factors that would have a positive impact on a good performance of this activity. The research method is quantitative, based on the opinion survey, through the self-administered questionnaire. Employees are open to training, especially when dealing with new jobs and technologies or simply to stay up to date with the latest information in their field. Employers, in turn, want professional, efficient and motivated employees. Vocational training is a necessary tool to remain competitive in the labor market and to face the challenges of a global economy where digital skills are the key factor.