Overview

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships is a multi-stakeholder platform led by the European Commission to strengthen the quality, supply, image, and mobility of apprenticeships across Europe. Launched in 2013, the Alliance brings together national governments, employers, business organizations, social partners, chambers of commerce, vocational education and training providers, regional and local authorities, youth organizations, and other stakeholders.

Participation is organized primarily through national commitments by governments and voluntary pledges from other stakeholders. Members share practices, develop partnerships, participate in communities and events, and have access to apprenticeship resources and support services. The Alliance is open to European Union countries, European Free Trade Association countries, candidate countries, and stakeholders from participating countries.

The Alliance was renewed in 2020 with increased attention to quality and effective apprenticeships, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, stronger engagement of social partners and regional and local authorities, and issues including digital and green transitions, social inclusion, gender, and the internationalization of vocational education and training.

By 2025, the Alliance reported reaching a cumulative total of 5 million apprenticeship places.

Its 2026 Action Plan links its work more closely with the European Union's Union of Skills and includes attention to basic skills, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics apprenticeships for women, vocational education and training-business partnerships, adult apprenticeships, mobility, and green and digital transitions.

Background

The European Alliance for Apprenticeships was launched in response to European concerns about youth unemployment, skills mismatches, transitions from education to employment, and the quality and availability of apprenticeship opportunities. Its launch included two actions:

• A Joint Declaration involving the European Union Presidency, European Commission, and European social partners
• A Council Declaration in which member states agreed to common guiding principles for apprenticeships.

The Alliance was designed to provide a common European platform through which governments and other stakeholders could make concrete commitments, exchange practices, and strengthen apprenticeship systems while allowing individual countries to retain their own apprenticeship structures.

Partners

The European Commission leads the Alliance with participation from national governments and a wide range of education, employer, workforce, regional, and social-partner organizations.

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training and the European Training Foundation provide strategic expert support.

Funding

European Commission-led platform rather than a grant program. Participation or submission of a pledge does not provide preferential access to European Union funding. Separate European Union programs—including the European Social Fund Plus and Erasmus+—may provide funding for apprenticeship-related activities undertaken by countries and organizations.

Resources

European Alliance for Apprenticeships — European Commission

About the European Alliance for Apprenticeships

2026 European Alliance for Apprenticeships Action Plan