Why adult apprenticeships matter
Education and training play a key role in helping Europe to navigate the challenges of demographic shifts, technological change, and environmental transformation. Ensuring that adults continue to up- and reskill throughout their working lives is an essential component in successfully addressing these challenges.
EU initiatives such as the Union of Skills and the Council Recommendations on micro-credentials and individual learning accounts aim to boost the employability of adults, while networks - such as EAfA, - support adult participation in VET programmes.
Despite progress, there is still a long way to go. The EU set a target for 60% of adults participate in training every year by 2030. Yet, in 2022, only 47% of adults aged 25-64 took part in education or training – with lower participation among low-skilled adults, older workers, and the unemployed.
Adult apprenticeships offer a solution. They provide flexible, work-based learning pathways to adult learners re-entering the workforce or looking to upskill.
To support stakeholders such as policymakers, VET providers, companies, and public employment services in making the most of adult apprenticeships and establishing the conditions for their success, EAfA has developed a comprehensive Toolkit on Adult Apprenticeships.
About the toolkit
Designed as a practical resource, the new EAfA Toolkit provides clear, step-by-step guidance to help stakeholders design, implement and monitor adult apprenticeships.
By focusing on inclusivity, adaptability, and quality, the toolkit enables stakeholders to create learning pathways that reflect the diverse experiences of adults and respond to changing labour market needs.
Stakeholders can draw on its guidance to:
- recognise the value of adult apprenticeships
- attract and support adult learners
- design flexible, high-quality training that reflects adults’ prior experience and specific needs.
The toolkit provides practical examples, relevant resources, and tools to inspire action and support continuous improvement across all stages of adult apprenticeship development.
What’s included in the Toolkit
The toolkit offers:
- guidance for policymakers to build robust frameworks that support adult apprenticeships
- practical advice, examples, and self-assessment tools for VET providers, companies, and public employment services
- step-by-step guidance across three key stages:
- before the apprenticeship:how to build a compelling business case, secure the right resources, and reach adult learners effectively
- during the adult apprenticeship: how to tailor programmes to specific sectors and learners, with practical tips for creating strong delivery and support systems
- after the adult apprenticeship: how to reflect on outcomes, recognise achievements, and plan for long-term impact, so that efforts continue to grow and improve.
The toolkit was introduced during the EAfA webinar: Increasing the take-up of adult apprenticeships – Introducing the new EAfA Toolkit, held on 20 November. The event explored how adult apprenticeships can promote lifelong learning, boost competitiveness, and help workers adapt to a changing labour market. Watch the recording of the webinar here.
How to access the Toolkit
You can access the EAfA Toolkit on Adult Apprenticeships online via our dedicated EAfA toolkits webpage. It is also available to download as a PDF below.
Details
- Publication date
- 19 November 2025
- Author
- Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion