Bridging Opportunities: Insights from EAfA Community Webinars on the role of cities and mobility to enhance apprenticeships

These events served as a platform for discussing the future of apprenticeships and their role in shaping a modern workforce, with an emphasis on sharing best practices in Europe and beyond. 

The webinars highlighted the significance of a unified vision for apprenticeships, demonstrating how local and international collaborations can leverage the potential of these educational pathways. The discussions underscored that apprenticeships should embrace both global mobility and strong local leadership to effectively prepare learners with the skills needed for an increasingly interconnected and dynamic global job market. 

Apprenticeship and VET initiatives aim to empower individuals, enrich local economies, and develop a globally competitive workforce by enhancing employability, skills development, and addressing local challenges. The events, which were independently organised by the EAfA Communities on the Role of Cities and Regions in Fostering Apprenticeships and the Community on Learning Mobility, demonstrate the remarkable accomplishments in support of international apprenticeship and VET opportunities achieved by these groups since their formation in June 2023. 

Community on the Role of Cities and Regions in Fostering Apprenticeships: Cities as catalysts for apprenticeship innovation 

Held on 14 October 2024, ‘The Role of Cities in Fostering Apprenticeships – Best Practices Between the EU and the US’ workshop examined how cities within the EU and the US are utilising apprenticeships to address local issues such as unemployment and transitions from education to the job market. 

Organised collaboratively by the European Association of Regional & Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning (EARLALL), the Metropolitan City of Rome, and Fundación Bertelsmann, leaders from the European Union and Tacoma, Washington, provided a transatlantic perspective on the role of local governments in fostering apprenticeships. 

Key themes: 

• Local leadership in apprenticeship programmes: Representatives from both Rome and Tacoma illustrated the effectiveness of municipal partnerships with schools, training centres, and businesses. Rome’s initiatives, backed by major companies such as Leonardo and BVLGARI, aim to reduce dropout rates and equip young learners with practical skills. Conversely, the Local Employment Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) in Tacoma, where the average apprentice age is 35 years old, prioritises economically distressed residents by mandating local and apprentice labour quotas on public projects..  
• Innovative programme design: Examples like Tacoma Water’s apprenticeship programme demonstrated the value of tailored, high-quality training (including 3 000+ hours of training). In particular, the programme showed the value of training that is further complemented by outreach initiatives such as career tours and trade expos. Similarly, Rome’s focus on arts and crafts apprenticeships highlights the potential of leveraging local traditions for economic and educational impact.

• Transatlantic collaboration: The potential for a transferable apprenticeship credential recognised across the US  was an interesting takeaway from the event. This innovation could facilitate  the employability of apprentices in an increasingly interconnected economy. 

   

Community on the Learning Mobility of Apprentices: The power of apprenticeship pathways and learning mobility 

The  webinar ‘Apprenticeship Pathways and Learning Mobility: Spotlight on the Netherlands, Spain, Czechia and Slovenia,’ was held on 18 November 2024. 

Organised by Euro App Mobility (EAM), the event highlighted how the VET systems in these countries are leveraging mobility to enhance apprenticeships. The speakers discussed national VET ecosystems, the significance of work-based learning (WBL), and the integration of European mobility programmes such as Erasmus+. 

Key themes: 

• Strengthening national VET ecosystems: Each country presented unique approaches to structuring VET systems and apprenticeships. 
• A case study from the Netherlands highlighted rigorous accreditation processes that ensure companies hosting apprentices uphold high-quality standards. 
• An example from Spain focused on balancing company- and institution-led training while encouraging students to explore opportunities outside major cities for greater cost-efficiency and more diverse experiences. 
• Czechia's case study addressed the need to integrate international mobility into education pathways, underscoring the value of training experiences abroad. 
• An example from Slovenia focused on apprenticeships in technical fields, such as engineering, with a growing emphasis on international experiences to broaden professional perspectives. 
• WBL and mobility: The balance between in-company training and educational institution-based learning emerged as a recurring theme. Country presentations and practical testimonials highlighted the importance of reliable partnerships, logistical preparedness, and robust feedback mechanisms to enhance mobility programmes. 
• The impact of European mobility: Programmes like Erasmus+ significantly contribute to apprentice employability, language proficiency, and soft skill development. National initiatives, independently from their relative size, are also vital. Mobility experiences were unanimously viewed as transformative, offering learners a global perspective on their fields. 

Shared takeaways 

Both events emphasised the transformative potential apprenticeships can have when supported by strong partnerships, innovative programmes, and international collaboration: 

• International mobility as a key driver of skills development: Programmes like Erasmus+ play a crucial role in cultivating global competencies and soft skills, which are highly valued in today’s workforce. 
• Local solutions to global challenges: Cities play a pivotal role in tailoring apprenticeship programmes to address unique local needs while incorporating best practices from global partnerships. 
• The value of collaboration: Whether at the city level or through international programmes, collaboration among governments, businesses, and educational institutions is essential for creating robust apprenticeship pathways. 

How to join an EAfA Community 

The EAfA Communities offer a thematic platform for exchanging ideas, fostering partnerships, and promoting best practices among individuals with common interests. Current and prospective Alliance members are invited to join these networks to drive the future of apprenticeships in Europe and beyond. 

To join a Community, EAfA members can email EAfAmembersecorys [dot] com (EAfAmembers[at]ecorys[dot]com) and specify the Community(ies) they wish to join​. Non-members can first join the Alliance by completing the EAfA pledge application form​. 

EAfA plans to launch several new Communities in 2024/25 on themes such as higher apprenticeships, in-company trainers​, and career guidance.