On Thursday 5 October, the European Commission presented an initiative to introduce a “European framework for effective and quality apprenticeships”. The recommendation was addressed to the Council on Thursday 5 October and identifies no fewer than 14 key criteria for member states and relevant stakeholders to improve the quality and efficiency of different apprenticeship systems.
The Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Marianne Thyssen and Vice President for the euro and Social Dialogue, Valdis Dombrovskis, presented these recommendations in the initiative to the press. These recommendations seek to enhance apprenticeship systems and make them more efficient, as well as improve the employability of young people. They will not change the system currently in place at the national level in any way.
Commissioner Thyssen said that it is necessary to improve the criteria used for improving the impact of apprenticeships in Europe, which is already displaying very positive figures in terms of employability (2 apprentices out of 3 find a job directly after their training). This impact can, however, be further enhanced, particularly by way of applying precise criteria. Last April, the European Court of Auditors drew up a very mixed balance sheet for the “Youth Guarantee” (see EUROPE 11761) and recommended that the European Commission develop quality criteria.
The criteria listed are therefore based around two main areas: the first involves training and working conditions and the second involves more general conditions. In an effort to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of apprenticeships, the Commission has set out a range of criteria affecting written contracts, apprenticeship skills, educational support, the workplace component, pay and expenses and, if appropriate, social protection and working conditions including health and safety.
For example, the Commission stipulates that written apprenticeship contracts should be signed before beginning the apprenticeship between the employer, apprentice and training institution and that the said contract should define the rights and obligations of each party.
On the question of general conditions, the Commission also draws up several criteria that cover the regulatory framework, participation of social partners, enterprise support, flexible apprentice approaches to transport, careers advice and awareness, transparency and, finally, guarantees of quality follow-up for apprentices.
For example, the regulatory framework should be clear and coherent and promote a fair and balanced partnership, with a transparent system for dialogue.
European level follow-up is also planned as a means of developing a range of services for enhancing networks and exchanges between member states and the different stakeholders involved. The European Social Fund is expected to contribute to the implementation of these criteria.
According to the European Commission, the budgetary implications for member states would be “difficult to estimate”. The Commission considers that no impact study exercise was necessary and that the recommendations are voluntary. It does indicate, however, that the costs generated at the beginning of the process are expected to be subsequently absorbed. In this regard, it pointed out that reduced unemployment rates meant a reduction in budgetary spending.
The ball is now in the court of the member states. The Commission indicates that the initiative will be promoted as part of the European Apprenticeship Alliance, as well as awareness campaigns such as the “European Vocational Skills Week” event on 20-24 November next.
Industrial sector welcomes initiative but highlights challenges that still need to be met. The head of BusinessEurope, Markus J. Beyrer, responded to the announced initiative by explaining that policy efforts at European level should be better coordinated. He identified two challenges that needed to be met: firstly, member states and the social partners should provide training corresponding to the needs of the labour market; secondly, companies need to have a return on their investments. He explained that to achieve this end, it would be necessary for good conditions to be put in place so that companies could invest more effectively. The UEAPME, the organisation representing European level SMEs, welcomed the initiative, particularly the emphasis put on SMEs. The organisation is, however, requesting clarification of the criteria relating to social protection and safety conditions. (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)