The European Apprentices Network recently inputted to the conference on “Young People in Business – Integrating Work and Training as  a way to Improve Youth Employability and Company Productivity” in Lima, Peru. The 2-day conference was organised by EuroSocial and hosted by the Ministry of Education of Peru.

The European Apprentices Network is in Lima, Peru this morning at the EuroSocial seminar on “Mas Jovenes en las Empresas” (More youth in Business) with @EUROsociAL_ @eulacfoundation @MTPE_Peru @UEenPeru. Ready to give our input on the value of young people! #EmpleabilidadJuvanil pic.twitter.com/klMYFKw80p

— European Apprentices Network (@EuroApprentices) April 1, 2019

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On the agenda was the topic of vocational education and training (VET) and apprenticeships and how to improve opportunities available to youth in the Latin America region. In attendance were representatives from governments of the countries in the region, members of civil society and also the Education Minister of Peru.

During the conference, participants divided out into smaller working groups exploring different types of apprenticeships in the respected countries and speaking about the added value of apprenticeships.  

European Apprentices Network (EAN) members Matthäus and Rob spoke on a panel with Peruvian learners. The EAN members presented their organisation and our defined key priorities, how VET and apprenticeships work generally in Europe, and how representatives bodies exist or are currently being developed. The Peruvian female apprentices shared their experiences as apprentices in mostly male-domainated fields.

Today EAN inputted to the @EUROsociAL_ conference along with Peruvian apprentices, sharing our 7 Key Priorities and exploring common challenges between the regions @eulacfoundation @MTPE_Peru @UEenPeru pic.twitter.com/gsgV98bq19

— European Apprentices Network (@EuroApprentices) April 2, 2019

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While there are some very stark differences between the realities of countries in Latin America and Europe, common themes of the attractiveness of vocational education, gender equality and workers rights were present in almost all countries. Civil society, and particularly trade unions, are very strong in many Latin American countries, and ensuring the inclusion of youth in these structures and representation of apprentice in general is crucial for quality and attractive apprenticeships in the future. This is exactly in line with the work of the EAN and our goals.