News 

EAfA to launch new online submission portal and pledge form 

EAfA is launching a new integrated online submission portal designed to deliver a user-friendly experience to pledgers and EAfA supporters. The portal will be used by stakeholders to submit their pledge forms, by current members to update their existing pledges, and by EAfA supporters to sign up for the newsletter. 

The revised pledge form will be launched on EU Survey in April. EAfA members will be contacted in due time with an invitation to refresh their commitment to EAfA by renewing their existing pledge. 

Building the EAfA Communities: Expression of interest 

EAfA is in the process of setting up a new feature − the EAfA Communities − to enhance the online networking opportunities for EAfA members. Each EAfA Community will comprise EAfA members who share a common interest in a topic and work together to fulfil individual and group goals. Community members will use online collaborative tools to communicate and connect, share best practices, and uncover potential for synergies and partnerships.  

If you are interested in creating and/or joining an EAfA Community, fill out this expression of interest form. 

Have your say in the European Commission’s public consultation on learning mobility 

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to collect views on a new initiative on teaching and learning abroad in Europe. Interested stakeholders are invited to submit their contributions by 3 May. You can share feedback on sending/receiving apprentices in mobility activities, key aspects to be considered, and more. 

Learn more about the public consultation. 

Upcoming events 

Save the date for EAfA’s 2023 high-level event! 

On 26-27 June 2023, EAfA is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special hybrid event in Brussels! The high-level event will bring together stakeholders who have contributed to the Alliance, looking back at what has been achieved and using these experiences to pave the way forward. EAfA members will receive more information about the event via email. We are looking forward to seeing you there! 

Call for expression of interest for the get-together event on afternoon of 27 June 

The abovementioned high-level conference will be followed by a get-together event on the afternoon of 27 June 2023. Driven by EAfA members, this event will allow participants to network, explore cooperation opportunities and share good practices with each other. 

If you would like to present a topic or a good practice at the event, please fill out this expression of interest form. 

First EAfA webinar for 2023: Apprenticeships in the care sector and social economy 

On 4 May, 11:00 CEST, EAfA will hold a webinar on the topic of apprenticeships in the care sector and social economy. The webinar will explore how apprenticeships can contribute to the care sector in the EU and help address its challenges, as well as ways in which social economy actors can contribute. More information about the webinar will be shared on the EAfA website soon. 

Registration for the European Year of Skills Festival to open soon 

Don’t miss out the chance to join the 2023 European Year of Skills Festival! The main aims of the festival, which is organised by the Pact for Skills, are to inspire stakeholders to invest in skills and the general public to think more about their skills, and to make gaining new skills accessible to everyone. The main event will take place in Cité des Métiers in Brussels, but the hybrid format will allow participants from across Europe to join. 

Register for the European Year of Skills Festival. 

Register for the next Pact for Skills networking event 

The Pact for Skills is holding a networking event for organisations interested in joining the initiative. The event will take place on 25 May between 10:00 and 15:30 CEST. Speakers will aim to showcase the Pact for Skills, its benefits, activities, accomplishments and how it can take your organisation to the next level. The event will allow interested organisations to engage with current Pact members, Pact Support Services and the European Commission. They will also have the chance to schedule one-to-one networking meetings with speakers and other attendees. More information will be shared soon. 

Visit the EAfA website and LinkedIn Group! 

Don’t forget to visit the EAfA website to stay on top of everything the Alliance and the European Commission do to strengthen the quality, supply and overall image of apprenticeships across Europe. 

Make sure to also join the EAfA LinkedIn Group and share your ideas, upcoming activities and useful resources relating to apprenticeships. In this group, you will find a network of friendly and supportive professionals from across Europe, including government representatives, VET and apprenticeship providers, and other experts.