Progress on EAfA’s objectives 

The majority of respondents reported progress in EAfA’s six objectives, with the quality of apprenticeships emerging as the area that witnessed the most substantial progress (83 %), followed by image (79 %), digital skills (78 %), and supply (76 %). More specifically: 

• A standout achievement of our members was the creation of over 509 460 apprenticeship places between June 2022 and August 2023. 

• The respondents implemented diverse measures to enhance the quality of apprenticeships in many of the areas covered by the Council Recommendation on a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA), including pedagogical support, learning outcomes, and quality assurance and monitoring. 

• To improve the image of apprenticeships, our members engaged in awareness-raising and networking events, implemented media and outreach strategies, and created networks with partners. 

• EAfA members actively participated in mobility projects and initiatives and EU mobility schemes (e.g. Erasmus+), engaging in at least 1 266 mobility experiences between June 2022 and August 2023. 

• The respondents engaged in digital and green skills initiatives aimed at providing targeted training and incorporating digital and green skills into VET curricula, demonstrating their commitment to adapting apprenticeships to the evolving needs of the workforce. 

Main challenges and good practices for the EAfA community 

Most survey respondents (three quarters) encountered challenges in the implementation of their pledge in the past year, among which financial resources and lack of human resources emerged as key hindering factors, followed by existing administrative burdens and apprenticeships representing a low political priority. 

Nonetheless, EAfA members highlighted many examples of good practice in the implementation of their pledges, stressing cooperation with stakeholders, virtual events and projects aimed at fostering digital development, awareness-raising activities, and the implementation of new training programmes as key practices. 

One third of the survey respondents also implemented activities to support apprentices' mental health and wellbeing, including providing access to counselling, hosting events addressing mental health concerns, training staff, and offering a point of contact for apprentices facing mental health challenges. 

Moreover, one fifth of the respondents implemented activities in support of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, including offering apprenticeship opportunities, educational support and language training. 

The added value of EAfA 

An overwhelming majority of the survey respondents (89 %) reported a largely positive perception of EAfA as a multi-stakeholder platform to boost the quality, supply, image of apprenticeships and mobility of apprentices. This positive outlook towards EAfA is shared across all stakeholder groups. 

Most of the respondents acknowledged the opportunities for cooperation, networking and knowledge exchange that EAfA offers, especially through the events and resources made available by the Alliance. Organisations found the Alliance particularly helpful in creating a sense of belonging to an EU-wide community like-minded organisations, calling for EAfA to continue to expand on its current activities and opportunities to exchange with other members both online and in-person. 

Among the EAfA activities organised over the past year, members particularly enjoyed in-person events, webinars and online events, which they would like to see more of in 2024. Similarly, the EAfA newsletter is particularly appreciated by the survey respondents as their most preferred channel through which they are informed about EAfA updates. 

The achievements, challenges and good practices shared by EAfA members in 2023 highlight the Alliance's dedication to advancing apprenticeships in Europe. As we enter 2024, the momentum built in the past year positions EAfA as a key player in shaping the future of apprenticeships, continuing to build on the experience of the 2023-2024 European Year of Skills. 

If you are not already a member, you can take part by making a pledge of your own.