Live discussion: How sectoral social partners collaborate to promote and develop apprenticeships in hospitality and construction On 10 November, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) held the live discussion ‘How sectoral social partners collaborate to promote and develop apprenticeships’. EU sectoral social dialogue provides a unique framework platform for consulting sectoral social partners on European initiatives in employment, industrial relations, and other areas. This live discussion shed light on EU sectoral social dialogue, and how it contributes to the promotion of vocational education and training (VET) and apprenticeships within the construction and hospitality sectors. The event also invited sectoral partners to join the Alliance and make a joint EAfA sectoral pledge to gain access to a platform where good VET practices are shared and new partnerships can be established. The live discussion was chaired by Norbert Schöbel (Team Leader of the Apprenticeships, VET and Adult Learning Unit of the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) and moderated by Jeff Bridgford (Visiting Senior Research Fellow at King’s College, UK). The event also included the following panellists: Rolf Gehring, Political Secretary for Safety and Health at the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW); Kerstin Howald, Political Secretary at the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT); Marta Machado, Deputy Director-General of the umbrella Association of Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and Cafes in Europe (HOTREC); Angela Martina, Entrepreneur and Chairperson of the commission dedicated to VET at the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC). During the live discussion, the speakers highlighted tangible examples of practical joint initiatives undertaken by the social partners to foster skills and qualifications in the hospitality and construction sectors. These practices were bound by a shared commitment to attract and keep young people in the respective sector, promote fair working conditions, and include relevant stakeholders. See the ‘Related documents’ section below to download the full report of the discussion. You can also watch the event recording.