EAN meeting and survey reveal evolving apprenticeship needs

Key challenges and proposed solutions 

During the two-day event, participants separated in smaller groups to discuss the strengths and shortcomings of apprenticeship systems across Europe. Several challenges were identified alongside proposed solutions: 

• Hidden costs and age limits: Apprentices often face unexpected expenses that are not always clearly communicated, which typically include purchasing required tools or uniforms or covering travel and accommodation costs. Participants recommended that EAN should include this point in their list of priorities to address.  
• Transferability of qualifications: A key issue raised was the need for apprenticeship qualifications to be easily transferable between EU countries. Participants proposed implementing a fast-track certification/recognition process to simplify the cross-border mobility of apprentices and ensure their qualifications are appropriately recognised across the EU. 
• Standardisation and protection: Although achieving complete standardisation of apprenticeships across Europe is difficult because vocational education and training (VET) falls under national competence, participants emphasised the importance of pursuing common elements and principles for apprenticeships across countries. Frameworks such as the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA) play a key role in this effort. Participants also called for the consistent protection of apprentices' right to quality education, particularly in cases of early termination of apprenticeships, and for enhanced independent inspections of working conditions to prevent mistreatment. 
• Tackling stigma: Efforts to promote apprenticeships and reduce the stigma around VET, which are often perceived as inferior to academic pathways, were considered essential for increasing enrolment. 

EAN survey highlights need for mental health support   

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the results from a recent EAN survey on apprentices' mental wellbeing. Conducted in spring 2024, the survey collected 145 responses from current and former apprentices, shedding light on mental health issues, associated stigma, stress factors, and existing support mechanisms. The findings indicated that while apprenticeships play a crucial role in skills development, there is an urgent need for enhanced mental health support and better working conditions. 

The survey revealed a trend of declining mental health: apprentices’ mental health often worsened as they progressed through their training. Key stressors included managing heavy workloads, financial strain, and balancing work with personal responsibilities. Although some support systems (such as mentoring and support from a trusted person within their personal network) were valued, many apprentices reported insufficient access to adequate mental health resources. 

In response to these trends, in 2024, EAN is focusing its efforts on mental health initiatives, highlighting the importance of incorporating mental health services into apprenticeship programmes to facilitate apprentices' fulfilment both in their careers and personal lives. 

Reviewing EAN’s priorities 

The meeting also served as an opportunity to reflect on ​how ​the EAN’s priorities, set in 2019, can address apprentices’ evolving needs: 

• Quality education and assurance: Establishing EAN representation in every EU Member State was identified as crucial to tackling skills shortages. Additionally, streamlining cross-border certification procedures would enhance the transferability of qualifications across the EU. 
• Rights, responsibilities, and protection: Participants advocated for stronger protection for apprentices, particularly for safeguarding their right to education in cases of early termination. A standardised, enforceable contract was also suggested to ensure apprentices’ rights are upheld. 
• ​​Legally binding agreements: Apprenticeships must always be governed by written, legally binding contracts between educational institutions, the apprentices, and the employers.​ 
• Representation: Apprentices proposed securing representation on national apprenticeship boards, ensuring funding for their operations, and removing penalties for joining them.' 
• Promoting apprenticeships: To combat the stigma surrounding apprenticeships, participants urged for broader outreach efforts, especially targeting parents and young people, to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships as a reskilling opportunity. They also recommended that companies offering VET provide support and guidance, and removing age restrictions for reskilling opportunities. 
• ​​Anti-discrimination: It is crucial to confront discriminatory practices and cultures that continue to block certain groups from accessing and fully benefitting from apprenticeships programmes.​ 
• Accessible information: Emphasis was placed on the need for transparent, accessible information about apprenticeships. Apprentices recommended creating a government website listing all available programmes and providers. 

Insights from guest speakers 

The meeting featured guest speakers from prominent organisations: Alessia Frassetto from the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA), Beatrice Biolcati Rinaldi from the European Commission, and Nadia Deis from the United Federation of Workers in Denmark (3F). They shared valuable insights on the future of VET in Europe, focusing particularly on the Osnabrück Declaration, which will shape policy until 2025. This declaration, supported by representatives of learners, underscores the need to align apprenticeship systems with the evolving demands of the labour market. 

A central theme was the need to enhance the attractiveness of apprenticeships, vis-a-vis the higher societal regard for academic education. Suggestions included fostering more youth-friendly environments in VET institutions and promoting apprenticeships as viable and respected career paths. The speakers also highlighted the importance of adapting VET curricula to the needs emerging from the digital and green transition. 

Protecting apprentices' health, safety, and wellbeing in training environments was a priority, with calls for clear reporting mechanisms, better guidance, and mentor support for apprentices in the workplace. Additionally, the speakers stressed the need to support small and medium-sized- enterprises (SMEs) by providing resources and frameworks that make apprenticeship training more feasible for them. 

Looking ahead 

The insights from both the EAN meeting and the mental health survey will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of apprenticeships in Europe. The EAN’s commitment to improving mental health support and enhancing apprenticeship quality reflects the adaptability of vocational education and training. Ensuring that apprentices have the resources they need to thrive – both personally and professionally – will be crucial for building a resilient, skilled workforce. 

Download the full survey report below.