We are happy to introduce to you the Champions of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA). These Alliance members will help make the community stronger by sharing their EAfA activities and by spreading the word about the benefits of joining EAfA.

Bart Denys, VET Teacher, Hotelschool Ter Duinen, Belgium (EAfA member since October 2021)

Hotelschool Ter Duinen has pledged to offer students real-world experience through apprenticeships and competitions in Belgium and beyond. It also aims to increase the quality of apprenticeships by keeping its programmes up to date in line with new trends in the catering and hospitality sector.

‘When you make a pledge, it keeps you sharp. And that gives you direct benefits because you are focused on what you’ve promised. A promise that you made, you have to fulfil.’

Bart Denys, EAfA Champion

Learn more about the pledge of Hotelschool Ter Duinen.

Daniela Doelle, Academy Lead, SoftwareONE (EAfA member since January 2022)

SoftwareONE has pledged to provide accessible and sustainable programmes in technology business and soft skills. It offers free programmes to students, along with a salary or stipend. SoftwareONE collaborates with various stakeholders to bridge the gap between education and employment. Additionally, it promotes digital career possibilities through participation in events like job fairs and open days.

‘We wanted to join EAfA because we think apprenticeships are a really good means to train our own talent, and we want to learn from other members on how they are doing it.’

Daniela Doelle, EAfA Champion

Learn more about the pledge of SoftwareONE.

Sreten Koceski, Executive Director, Community Development Institute Macedonia (CDIM), North Macedonia (EAfA member since January 2022)

CDIM has pledged to provide North Macedonian apprentices with opportunities to gain professional experience in EU Member States, enhancing their competitiveness in the labour market. They also aim to host EU apprentices in North Macedonia to work/learn in various sectors like the mechanical industry, audio-visual production and healthcare.

As the legal framework on apprenticeships differs in North Macedonia, the organisation joined the Alliance to influence policymakers, to help bring down barriers and enhance (and reform) national apprenticeship schemes.

‘Being an EAfA member motivates us to be involved in other projects to see how apprenticeships really work in other countries.’

Sreten Koceski, EAfA Champion

Learn more about the pledge of CDIM.

Aylin Akca Okan, Business Unit Director, ICterra (EAfA member since March 2022)

ICterra’s commitment is focused on training and skill development for apprentices and young employees in the IT field. Their pledge includes supporting the creation of skilled professionals who seek continuous improvement and competency advancement. They believe that making the digital and technology sector more sustainable depends on increasing the quantity and quality of youth, while enhancing their global know-how and expertise.

The organisation joined the Alliance to collaborate on an international scale, recognising the need for IT apprentices and young professionals to be aware of global innovations, as well as exchanging knowledge and ideas.

‘The biggest benefit of joining EAfA has been the new connections. We believe that this will allow us to create new collaborations and share experiences in the near future.’

Aylin Akca Okan, EAfA Champion

Learn more about the pledge of ICterra.

Jo Cahalin, Manager of the Future Building Skills Team, Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), Ireland (EAfA member since August 2019)

ETBI’s pledge is focused on supporting education and training boards in developing and ensuring the quality of new apprenticeships. They have created resources for employer-mentor training to enhance the on-the-job training experience for both employers and apprentices. In addition, the ETBI Monitoring and Enhancement Panel engages with apprenticeship stakeholders to produce reports with good practice examples and opportunities for improvement.

Learn more about the pledge of ETBI.

Get to know our Champions better through our short videos, recorded during the EAfA-Level event in June.