About the Network

NetWBL is a network of 29 European national agencies, coordinated by the German National Agency at BIBB. It is funded by the European Commission, Directorate General Education and Culture (DG EAC).

Background

The contribution of work based learning to supporting youth employment and economic competitiveness is widely recognised. Countries with strong and attractive Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems, and notably those with well-established apprenticeship systems, tend to perform better in terms of youth employment.

European Alliance for Apprenticeships

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) was launched in Leipzig on 2 July 2013. On 15 October 2013 the Council of the European Union adopted the Declaration on the European Alliance for Apprenticeships. As one of the key elements Member States declare that, where appropriate, they will “[…] undertake VET system reforms, in cooperation with social partners and other relevant stakeholders, by introducing an apprenticeship pathway or improving existing schemes ,[…], in order to increase the number, quality and attractiveness of apprenticeships.”