European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training

Martina Ní Cheallaigh

A study compared a number of features of apprenticeships in the 12 Member States of the European Union. The study showed that the apprentice contract or indenture has become an integral part of apprenticeship in all Member States. Admissions requirements for access to apprenticeshp, in general, are not high. Although it was an option open to those who had completed lower secondary education, the average age of entrants is rising. The role of the social partner organizations varies by country. Likewise, a sizeable imbalance exists between countries concerning the variety of occupations for which apprenticeship is provided. In the majority of countries, apprentices are concentrated in small and medium-sized enterprises. General educaton has become an important element of the school-based tuition given to apprentices. The average length of an apprenticeship is usually 2-3 years. The financing mechanism is a complicated procedure involving investment by the state, company, and individual. Efforts are being made to encourage apprentices to develop their competence and attain recognized qualifications. In general, annual intakes of apprentices over the last decade in most countries has decreased. The conclusion is that at least 12 distincat apprenticeship systems still exist. (Appendixes include alternate training initiatives, legislation affecting apprenticeship in Member States, responsible bodies and certificates, lists of sectors represented, glossary, and 77-item bibliography.) (YLB)

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