In this article, we shine the spotlight on ESMOVIA and find out more about their EAfA membership. ESMOVIA is a Spanish company located in Valencia that organises training experiences in mobility aimed at students and teachers from all over Europe. They mainly offer apprenticeships in companies, as well as Spanish courses, seminars, study visits and professional development courses, all through European programmes such as Erasmus+ or the European Social Fund. 

Please can you provide a short overview of your pledge and which EAfA objectives it relates to? 

Our pledge is a comprehensive commitment aimed at generating 1 200 apprenticeship opportunities annually, with a strong emphasis on fostering inclusivity and mentorship. The pledge directly contributes to EAfA's goals of improving the supply and enhancing perceptions of apprenticeships, nurturing digital competencies, and facilitating cross-border mobility. 

How did you first hear about EAfA and why did you decide to submit a pledge? 

We were introduced to EAfA by an international partner who had participated in an EAfA conference before the pandemic. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we took the opportunity to explore EAfA's offerings in more detail, eventually deciding to join. Submitting a pledge provided us with a structured framework to outline our commitments and future steps, reinforcing our dedication to apprenticeship excellence. 

How has EAfA membership helped ESMOVIA to facilitate regional collaboration and partnerships across Europe? 

Membership to the EAfA has played a vital role for ESMOVIA by increasing our visibility, fostering regional collaboration, and helping us forge new partnerships. Through networking opportunities, sharing of best practices, access to the online database, and collaboration with other EAfA members on joint projects, research initiatives and pilot programmes, we have been able to establish valuable connections with stakeholders across Europe. This has enhanced our apprenticeship initiatives and expanded our reach within the European apprenticeship landscape. 

What opportunities has ESMOVIA taken to contribute to EAfA activities? 

We have actively participated in various EAfA activities, leveraging our expertise and resources to make meaningful contributions to the Alliance's objectives. By engaging in events, sharing best practices, collaborating with other EAfA members on projects, and advocating for EAfA values, we have amplified our impact within the apprenticeship community. 

How has ESMOVIA promoted EAfA membership to the students and teachers you work with? 

We have promoted EAfA membership to the students and teachers we work with through various channels and initiatives, including online platforms (such as our website and social media channels) and collaboration with schools, vocational training centres, and educational institutions on events and projects. 

Since submitting a pledge, what activities has ESMOVIA undertaken to achieve the EAfA objectives in their pledge? 

Since submitting our pledge, we have been actively engaged in various initiatives to achieve EAfA objectives. We've collaborated with local businesses to create new apprenticeships, aiming for at least 1 200 annually. Our efforts to widen inclusivity have included targeting specific groups, such as students with disabilities and migrants. 

We have worked on enhancing the image of apprenticeships through social media, video testimonials, and partnerships with schools and companies. We have facilitated international mobility for apprentices by organising apprenticeships in Spain and participating in international events, such as ‘DO YOUR MOB’ (organised by Scuola Centrale Formazione), the 2023 EAfA high-level event and the European Forum of Technical and Vocation Education and Training (EFVET). 

Our efforts to support digital transition involved providing an online training course as preparation for internship abroad, called VIRGIL-MOB, and an informative mobile application for apprentices called EsMobile. 

Do you have any standout stories to share about apprentices who have successfully completed an apprenticeship? 

We have witnessed numerous standout stories of apprentices who have thrived under our apprenticeship programmes. For example, a passionate Italian apprentice completed an internship at a Michelin-starred restaurant owned by chef Quique Dacosta in Spain. Inspired by his experience, he returned to Italy to work in various restaurants, before ultimately deciding to move back to Spain, settling in Madrid. When he learned that Quique Dacosta was opening a new restaurant in Madrid, he seized the opportunity to visit. After a casual conversation with the chef, he was invited to tour the facilities and was offered a position to work in his team. 

Stories like this encapsulate the transformative impact of apprenticeships, showcasing how individuals from diverse backgrounds have leveraged their experiences to pursue successful careers. They underscore the profound value of apprenticeship initiatives. 

Why should other organisations join EAfA and submit a pledge? 

We strongly encourage other organisations to join EAfA so that they too can experience the benefits of networking, learning, and contributing to the enhancement of apprenticeships across Europe. 

For example, EAfA provides a platform for you to network with various stakeholders, facilitating collaborations and knowledge exchange. Additionally, membership grants you access to a repository of resources and best practices in apprenticeship provision, empowering you to enhance the quality of your programmes. 

Furthermore, participation in EAfA enables you to actively shape European apprenticeship policies, influencing the future direction of apprenticeships in Europe. 

Lastly, by submitting a pledge to EAfA, your organisation showcases its commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities that contribute to workforce development and economic growth, enhancing your visibility and recognition at both national and European level. 

Has ESMOVIA’s story inspired you to learn more about submitting a EAfA pledge? Find out how you can start your journey to becoming EAfA member on our EAfA Membership and Pledges webpage.