The event, held on 7 and 8 May, is one of the ways in which Cedefop provides support to the European alliance for apprenticeships (EAfA). The EAfA aims to increase the number and scope of apprenticeships and improve their quality and image.
Apprenticeships are one of the pillars of youth guarantee schemes which Member States are establishing in order to help young people get a foothold in the labour market. The attraction of apprenticeships and similar work-based schemes is that they have been proven to ease transitions from education to work, a factor of evident importance during high youth unemployment periods.
To make sure new apprenticeship schemes succeed, the event addresses government representatives and social partners. The aim is to involve all labour market actors from the outset.
Cedefop has planned a highly interactive structure for the event, bringing participants together in formal and informal groups of varied composition in order to kick-start bilateral/multilateral partnerships between countries.
Participants will learn about possible financial support for such partnerships. The new Erasmus+ programme for education, training, youth and sports will lend financial support to Member States working together to develop apprenticeships.