Why 21st Century Apprenticeships benefit learners, employers and social cohesion
According to estimates from the European Commission, there are currently more than 3.7 million apprentices in Europe. Formal apprenticeships are a combination of school education and workplace training, where the learner is legally an employee and paid a wage. On average, an apprentice spends 50% of his or her training period in the workplace.
In terms of results, apprenticeships have been shown to be a very effective way of transitioning from education to employment. Research suggests that, overall, two out of three apprentices move straight into jobs after finishing their education.
From the learner’s point of view, apprenticeships can make programmes of study more interesting, giving them more relevant work skills and introducing them to employers who may offer them jobs after they graduate.