The European Apprentices Network attended the ‘4th regional seminar for candidate countries: Engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises in work-based learning’. Hosted by The European Commission and the European Training Foundation the event gathered delegates from European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) member organisations and the EU candidate countries. The purpose of the seminar was to discuss the latest policy developments in apprenticeships and work-based learning in EU candidate countries and share experiences between them and EAfA members.

Besides participating in the seminar EAN had its own internal meetings where we discussed the following topics: 

DAY 1 

While some of our members were still arriving from around Europe, a selected few already started preparing for the presentation we had the day after – the topic was the importance of the voice of apprentices, especially in policy making. We outlined the close cooperation between small and medium and apprentices and the close connection and great mentorship that can be formed in those environments. 

DAY 2 and DAY 3

We were focusing on preparing a great representation of apprentices on the upcoming European Vocational Skills Week in Helsinki. Our former members will join us for a week of discussions, dialogues, networking, and representation.