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EAfA Live Discussion on ‘Promoting apprenticeships to SMEs'

14 December 2022

14:00 - 15:30 (UTC/GMT +01:00 - Europe / Brussels)

Registrations are closed

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been described as the ‘backbone’ of the European economy, employing around two thirds of its work force and representing 99% of its businesses. To enable a shift towards a climate neutral and digital Europe, SMEs play a vital role in adding value in every sector and bringing innovative solutions to challenges like climate change, resource efficiency and technology adaptation. SMEs are also essential to ensure Europe’s competitiveness and prosperity, and to develop industrial ecosystems, economic and technological sovereignty, and resilience to external shocks.

Apprenticeships have potential to facilitate the twin transitions and improve competitiveness among SMEs by securing skilled workers. Additionally, they allow the employer to shape a young person’s work habits and to retain, over time, a motivated and qualified employee. However, many SMEs are still reluctant to engage in training apprentices due to an unfavourable business environment, burdensome legislation and internal limitations. For instance, smaller companies, especially micro enterprises, cannot always afford to manage the administrative requirements or make staff available to supervise apprentices. SMEs may also not have the necessary equipment to be able to cover all aspects of the training required for a given occupation. Lack of information, training culture or of a sense of ownership may further prevent an SME to take part in apprenticeships, and regional and national authorities can play a key role in facilitating their participation.

 
 

This Live Discussion will shine light on campaigns and different instruments used to involve SMEs in apprenticeships programmes across Europe. Key-questions that could be addressed include:

  • At national and regional levels, what are the most effective campaigns and instruments to promote apprenticeships among SMEs?
  • What are the best ways to communicate with SMEs, in view of promoting apprenticeships?
  • How can SMEs be supported and incentivised to take up apprenticeships, and to what extent are their needs different than those of larger companies?
  • What challenges and barriers do SMEs face when participating in apprenticeship schemes? Examples may include financial obstacles, an unfavourable business environment, and bureaucracy.
  • What role can SMEs using apprenticeships play in promoting this type of dual work-based learning?
  • What experiences do SMEs have from working with apprenticeships, and how are these predicted to develop in the coming years?

 

Speakers and moderator

The event moderator will be Ana Carrero YuberoDeputy Head of Unit - Vocational Education and Training. DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion - European Commission 

The panel will be made up by representatives from SMEs and regional and national VET-representatives.

  • Miriana Bucalossi, Tuscany Region. Head of Apprenticeship, WBL Policies and EU Project Management Unit, IT 
  • Paula Zaplana, Technical policy officer in European Projects, PIMEC (Catalan Small and Medium Business Association), Spain
  • Sergio Corridori, Head of HR department, Cantine Mazzei 
  • Valentina Guerra, Social Affairs and Training Policy Adviser, SMEUnited

Details

Start: 14 December 2022
14:00 (UTC/GMT +01:00 - Europe / Brussels)
End: 14 December 2022
15:30 (UTC/GMT +01:00 - Europe / Brussels)
European Alliance for Apprenticeships

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