Webinar: Shaping the future of apprenticeships in the EU – ensuring quality and fairness

High-quality apprenticeships are essential for equipping individuals with the skills needed in a rapidly evolving labour market and society. To support these aims, the EU has introduced several strategic policy initiatives and funding mechanisms, such as the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA), the Youth Guarantee, Erasmus+, the Pact for Skills and the European Apprentices Network. The recently launched Union of Skills also builds on previous efforts to enhance lifelong learning, upskilling and reskilling. 

Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, including skill mismatches due to the green and digital transitions, variations in apprenticeship quality across sectors and countries, and the need to enhance the attractiveness of apprenticeships compared to academic pathways. 

The upcoming EAfA webinar will explore how the EU is addressing these issues through stronger policy frameworks, financial support, and enhanced collaboration between education providers and employers. 

Key topics will include: 

• current trends and developments in apprenticeships, with a focus on the EFQEA 
• best practices from across Europe showcasing efforts to enhance apprenticeship quality and fairness 
• future perspectives on maintaining and improving quality standards, including financial support for apprentices. 

Vlasis Korovilos, Expert in Vocational Education and Training for Adults and Apprenticeships at Cedefop, will open the session with an overview of recent data and trends on apprenticeships, skills development and labour market needs across Europe.  

The panel will also feature experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from the European Apprentices Network (EAN), the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs & Sports in Greece, industriAll Europe and SME United.  

The webinar will be moderated by Anna Barbieri, Team Leader for Apprenticeships and Erasmus+ at the European Commission. 

Register for the webinar