We spoke to Finja-Lee Bethke from the ETUC Youth Committee, as part of the European Apprentices Network (EAN)’s Advice Corner series. We discussed apprentice representation in EU policy, the ETUC’s gender equality and youth engagement work, and more.

Bridging the gap between young people, trade unions, and apprenticeships

The ETUC Youth Committee is a European Apprentices Network (EAN) member. What does the ETUC Youth Committee do and how does it represent apprentices?

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Youth Committee represents young trade union members and apprentices across Europe, advocating for their interests at the European level. As an umbrella organisation, the ETUC Youth Committee brings national youth branches of major unions together, ensuring that the voices of apprentices are heard in policy discussions and social dialogue at an EU and national level.

In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge that apprentices face?

A major challenge for apprentices in the EU is finding affordable housing. Although many apprentices’ main goal is to learn more about a profession and to prepare for a successful entry into the labour market, remuneration is extremely important to ensure apprentices can afford the costs of living.

From your perspective, what are the top priorities for apprentices at the European level?

The European Quality Framework for Apprenticeships (EFQEA) establishes clear standards for training, working conditions, and social protection through 14 criteria. This framework, inspired by EU level social partners, was agreed by all EU governments in 2018 to guarantee that apprentices receive high-quality training through a balanced combination of work experience and education, supported by contracts and fair remuneration.

Representation is equally important: apprentices’ voices must be included during negotiations on vocational education and training (VET) policies and programmes. As apprentices are directly affected, they possess unique insights that must be heard.

Making sure European policies consider apprentices’ opinions

How are apprentices represented in policy-making and VET governance, and how have you supported apprentices in joining national or regional policy discussions?

Apprentices are represented through the ETUC Youth Committee. National trade union structures contribute their expertise based on their respective countries’ experiences, allowing apprenticeships to be considered from a broader European perspective.

The ETUC Youth Committee also nominates young representatives to the ETUC thematic committees, ensuring that the decision-making process is influenced by apprentices’ perspectives and that their interests are effectively represented.

How does the ETUC Youth Committee engage with employers, training providers, and governments to improve the quality of apprenticeships?

The ETUC engages in social dialogue at the European level with employers’ organisations, such as Business Europe. Through the direct participation of the Youth Committee in these dialogues, the voices of young people are heard and represented.

Promoting female leadership and representation

What steps has the ETUC Youth Committee taken to promote gender equality in apprenticeships, particularly in sectors where women are underrepresented, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)?

Gender equality is a key priority for the ETUC Youth Committee, and we actively promote female leadership and representation within our own structures. For example, I come from an industrial union and completed my apprenticeship as a lab technician – a STEM profession in a traditionally male-dominated sector. By empowering young women and increasing their visibility, we aim to ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

If you had to highlight one achievement your organisation is most proud of regarding apprentices, what would it be?

The ETUC was one of the main drivers behind the establishment of the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships.

While we acknowledge that certain Member States have not yet fully implemented the framework, it is crucial that implementation is carefully monitored and that the agreed quality criteria are fully upheld in the context of the broader debate on competitiveness and skills mismatches.

High-level representation of apprentices is vital

What role should apprentices play in European initiatives like the Union of Skills or the Clean Industrial Deal?

It is important for apprentices to have a role in European initiatives – not only as recipients of benefits, but also as active participants involved in setting policy priorities.

Their perspectives and firsthand experience are essential for making these measures relevant and sustainable. Workers’ rights are the cornerstone of European competitiveness, and it is essential to guarantee fair and secure access to the labour market.

How can EAN better support your organisation in its work with apprentices locally or nationally?

EAN should bring apprentice representative bodies from across Europe together to ensure a broader perspective and provide apprentices with a direct link to EU policy-making.

The ETUC Youth Committee’s view for future apprenticeships

Looking ahead, what advice would you give to young people considering an apprenticeship today?

Apprenticeships are not a second-class entry into the labour market. They provide apprentices with practical experience and a direct understanding of the work inside a company, which a university degree cannot always match.

So many of the jobs that former apprentices have are crucial for our society and essential for our infrastructure, whether it be maintaining our electricity infrastructure or helping us to get better when we’re in hospital. I think apprentices deserve more acknowledgement and should be seen in a better light.

If you could deliver one message directly to the European Commission, on behalf of apprentices, what would it be?

Every job should be a quality job, and apprentices must be treated fairly. If there is a skills mismatch, it must be taken seriously to understand the real reasons behind the shortage of skilled workers. Without improvements in working conditions, sectors affected will continue to struggle to attract both apprentices and workers.