Online voting for the 2022 European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) Awards is open until 15 May. Two candidates from each of the three awards categories (Large Companies, SMEs and Apprentices) have been shortlisted. The EAfA Awards are intended to inspire current and future Vocational education and training (VET) stakeholders, by recognising best practices in VET as well as outstanding projects.

You can now vote for your favourite nominees who have made an impressive contribution to the world of vocational education and training, or apprentices who have excelled during their apprenticeships.

Two candidates from each of the three awards categories (Large Companies, SMEs and Apprentices) have been selected by jury as official nominees according to their fulfillment of the award criteria, for which they were awarded points and ranked.

The criteria include elements related to quality assurance, improving the image of apprenticeships, cooperation with the world of education and training, creation of innovative solutions to emerging challenges posed by the pandemic and green transition, inclusiveness, and engagement in corporate social responsibility and collective bargaining.

Official nominees

The two top-ranking candidates from each category are the official nominees:

1. Large Companies (EAfA members):

• ÖBB – Infrastruktur AG;

• SNCF.

2. SMEs (an EAfA member, part of an umbrella organisation that is an EAfA member, or nominated by an EAfA member)

This year, both were nominated by the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber:

• Moorheilbad Harbach Betrieb GmbH;

• Otto Stöckl Elektroinstallationen GmbH.

3. Apprentices:

• Evangelos POUFTAS (nominated by Kotoula Pol. Anastasia);

• María Ángeles Martínez Caballero (nominated by IDEA - Alzira City Council).

In order to decide who the winners are, an average will be calculated between the jury grading and a public vote.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 18 May 2022 as part of the sixth European Vocational Skills Week.

It’s time to have your say! Vote now for your favourite nominee, and register your interest and tune in to watch the ceremony.