A European framework for quality and effective apprenticeships - a BusinessEurope position paper

Key messages

Apprenticeships can simultaneously help young people to enter and remain in the labour market and help companies to address their skills needs. Successful systems require a clear and appropriate regulatory framework at the national level.
Well-functioning apprenticeship schemes help meet enterprises’ skills needs and appropriately take into account cost drivers with a view to encouraging enterprises to invest in apprenticeships. Consequently, there needs to be an openness at national level to better adapt systems to enterprises’ needs and to better enshrine employer and, where appropriate, social partner involvement in the governance of apprenticeship systems.
The proposed council recommendation strikes a crucial balance that is based on a common understanding of quality and effectiveness, while respecting the diversity of national systems and practices.

Quality and effective apprenticeships that simultaneously help to address enterprises skills needs and which provide a smooth transition into employment for learners.
Apprenticeship schemes in which at least half of the training time is spent in an enterprise