Apprenticeships

Quality apprenticeships based on a robust regulatory framework and social dialogue can contribute to lowering youth unemployment rates, reducing skills mismatch and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises. Historically, apprenticeships have been considered primarily as a means of facilitating the school-to-work transition for young people. However, in the context of a fast-changing world of work, the apprenticeship model is empowering both youth and older workers to acquire new skills, reskill and upskill throughout their working lives. 

A new Recommendation on Quality Apprenticeships was adopted during the 111th International Labour Conference. It is designed to support "opportunities for people of all ages to skill, reskill and upskill continuously" in rapidly changing labour markets.

Key features of the Recommendation:

• Social dialogue: employers and workers’ organizations play a key role 
• Regulatory framework: well-designed regulations ensure quality 
• Rights and protection: apprentices are entitled to rights and protection 
• Equality and diversity: apprenticeships framework need to promote equality, diversity and social inclusion