European Trade Union Committee for Education

On 15 March 2018, the European Council adopted the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships. According to ETUCE a step in the right direction.

ETUCE is pleased with the initiative, in particular because the Council Recommendation includes several key aspects of the ETUC proposals that were developed jointly with ETUCE. For example, the need for involvement of social partners in the design, governance and implementation of apprenticeship systems. Secondly, that a written agreement should be concluded that defines the rights and obligations of the apprentice, the employer and the Vocational Education and Training (VET) institution. Thirdly, that apprenticeships should be paid or otherwise compensated and should fall under national social protection laws. These changes are important to ensure the quality of apprenticeships.

ETUCE also welcomes that the recommendation mentions the VET teachers’ role in apprenticeships, in particular the provisions on the importance of their cooperation with in-company trainers and the need to support their professional development especially with regards to digital innovation.

The working conditions, the quality and the image of VET institutions, teachers and apprenticeships are a main priority for ETUCE. This is also why a Public Hearing on VET was organised on 24 November 2017 during the second European Vocational Education and Skills Week together with the European Federation of Education Employers (EFEE). This hearing was an opportunity to exchange experiences on the challenges VET teachers, trainers and school leaders are facing and what their needs are. The Council Recommendation addresses some of these challenges and needs, but measures to improve the status of VET teachers, trainers school leaders and the need for a pay rise in many EU member states are still lacking.

Susan Flocken, European Director, ETUCE reacts to the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships: “This initiative can contribute to improving the quality of apprenticeships and ensuring that apprentices are not exploited as cheap labour. Implementing the framework supports apprentices in receiving a quality learning experience that will enrich their education”. On the provisions about VET teachers she added: “the recognition of the need for professional development and cooperation for VET teachers is a promising signal. ETUCE expects to see more initiatives focused on achieving high quality vocational pathways that provide good working conditions and are valued accordingly by society.”