On 9 and 10 June 2022, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) held the high-level event ‘The European Alliance for Apprenticeships on track!’ in Vienna, Austria.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE); the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB); and the Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology.

The hybrid event gathered over 80 participants on site and online, and the livestreaming recordings on YouTube received over 100 views in the first few days. The event was moderated by Ana Carrero, Deputy Head of Unit at the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) at the European Commission.

In a video message, Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights (DG EMPL), highlighted how apprenticeships can enable the railway sector to address skill shortages while tackling youth unemployment. The Commissioner also emphasised EAfA’s role in mobilising apprenticeship opportunities and empowering young people to fully participate in the labour market and society.

Session 1: Just transitions − digital and green

The first session was moderated by Jörg Markowitsch from 3s and included the following speakers:

• Bojan Jovanovski, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of International Management at FH JOANNEUM;
• Carole Coune, Secretary General of the Association of European Rail Rolling stock Lessors;
• Meryem Belhaj-Clot, Deputy Human Resource Director at the International Union of Railways (UIC).

Bojan Jovanovski provided insights on the GREENOVET project and its vocational excellence centres that aim to identify and teach the skills of the future.

Carole Coune discussed the need for training in the field of maintenance, ensuring interoperable and safe European rail rolling stock.

Meanwhile, Meryem Belhaj-Clot shared how the UIC helps the railway sector to prepare for the future by investing in innovation and by developing educational and training programmes focused on the new skills needed.

Session 2: Gender equality in apprenticeships in the rail sector

The second session was moderated by Vicki Donlevy, Ecorys, and it explored different perspectives on the attractiveness of apprenticeships and occupations in the railway sector for women and girls. This session included the following speakers:

• Heather Waugh, freight train driver in Scotland, UK;
• Jedde Hollewijn, Policy Officer for Railways, European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) Representative;
• Katrien Joye, Internship Coordinator at the Belgian railway company for passenger transport;
• Ursula Bazant, Head of Department for Education and Training at ÖBB.

In this session, Jedde Hollewijn provided figures on the gender disbalance in the sector, and explained how the Women in Rail agreement and the ETF aim to make the sector more attractive for women and young people.

Meanwhile, Heather Waugh, shared her experience as the first female freight train driver in Scotland.

Katrien Joye presented how her company is working to increase the number of women in all departments while ensuring diversity and inclusion in all phases of recruitment and addressing third-party sexual harassment.

And lastly, Ursula Bazant shared best practice on how the ÖBB attracts girls in apprenticeships.

Session 3: Mobility and transnational cooperation

The third session was moderated by Leonardo Dongiovanni from DG MOVE, and included the following speakers:

• Eckhard Voss, Senior Advisor and Management Partner at wmp consult;
• Ignacio Ferrer, XABEC Vocational Training Centre;
• Olivia Janisch, Member of the ÖBB Works Council and Supervisory Board, Vice-Chair of the Austrian Transport Workers Union.

Eckhard Voss introduced the STAFFER blueprint project and shared first results regarding skill needs and trends, challenges, and cross-border mobility in the rail sector.

Meanwhile, Ignacio Ferrer presented insights from mobility Erasmus+ projects and the positive impact of transnational cooperation between companies and VET colleges.

Lastly, Olivia Janisch stressed the crucial role of social partners at European and national level for ensuring quality standards in the rail sector.

Round table discussions

The sessions were followed by three parallel round table discussions on the same topics where participants shared their observations and recommendations.

For example, to meet future skill demands and avoid social inequalities, some participants recommended strengthening the role of VET teachers, developing a qualification system of green and digital skills, and promoting social dialogue and intersectoral cooperation.

To overcome gender inequality, some participants said that companies should focus on breaking gender stereotypes, engaging female role models, providing targeted career support for female apprentices and employees, and ensuring the participation of women in the decision-making processes.

Participants also agreed that there are clear benefits to mobility transnational cooperation, but there is need for stronger networks and commitments, simpler procedures, and integrational support for students during their time abroad.

The perspective of the apprentice

During this session moderated by Ben Kinross, Coordinator, European Apprentices Network (EAN), apprentices from the rail sector across Europe had the opportunity to share their views and voice their concerns.

Some of the points made included the need to ensure a just transition for occupations affected by automation and to resolve liability issues related to driving automated trains.

Another suggestion was to create a platform for sharing best practices on improving the recognition of education and training across borders and on scaling up the commitment of the rail sector in decarbonising the economy.

Site visit to the ÖBB training centre

Participants had the opportunity to visit the ÖBB training centre, where they learnt more about the ÖBB apprenticeship training. They also had a guided tour of the building, during which ÖBB apprentices briefly presented their professions and training content.

You can download the full event report from the ‘Related documents’ section below.