Forty companies and organisations have joined the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, coordinated by the European Commission, committed to providing more and better apprenticeships for young people.
The companies will make a total of 140,000 apprenticeships and training opportunities available to young people.
EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Marianne Thyssen commented: “I warmly welcome the new partners joining the European Alliance for Apprenticeships today. Helping Europe’s young people to access quality jobs is at the top of my priorities. Together, we will create new opportunities for young people to learn the skills and gain the experience needed in the labour market. I look forward to seeing even more companies and other organisations following this example in the future.”
The new pledges were signed in Riga during a meeting of ministers in charge of vocational education and training, the European social partners and the Commission, organised by the Latvian presidency.
European social partners have put forward new pledges in the construction, chemical, commerce and education sectors. Five new pledges come from national teachers’ trade unions and one from a French trade union in the energy sector. Other key pledges come from the Scottish government, the European Association of Regional and Local Authorities for Lifelong Learning and the Bertelsmann Foundation think-tank.
In total, 84 pledges from companies and other partners have been made within the European Alliance for Apprenticeships since it was launched in 2013 in Leipzig (Germany).
This was followed by a Council declaration and individual commitments on next steps to increase the quantity, quality and supply of apprenticeships by EU countries.
The alliance brings together public authorities, chambers of commerce, industry and crafts, businesses, social partners, education and training providers, regions, youth and non-profit organisations, think-tanks and research institutes in order to promote apprenticeship schemes and initiatives across Europe.