Apprenticeships
Quality apprenticeships based on a robust regulatory framework and social dialogue can contribute to lowering youth unemployment rates, reducing skills mismatch and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of enterprises. Historically, apprenticeships have been considered primarily as a means of facilitating the school-to-work transition for young people. However, in the context of a fast-changing world of work, the apprenticeship model is empowering both youth and older workers to acquire new skills, reskill and upskill throughout their working lives.
A new Recommendation on Quality Apprenticeships was adopted during the 111th International Labour Conference. It is designed to support "opportunities for people of all ages to skill, reskill and upskill continuously" in rapidly changing labour markets.
Key features of the Recommendation:
Social dialogue
employers and workers’ organizations play a key role
Regulatory framework
well-designed regulations ensure quality
Rights and protection
apprentices are entitled to rights and protection
Equality and diversity
apprenticeships framework need to promote equality, diversity and social inclusion
News and articles
Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Youth and Women in Yemen
Quality Apprenticeship and Lifelong Learning in China Project Phase 2-Newsletter 3
Key resources
Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation
Plan of action for the implementation of the Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation
The ILO strategy on skills and lifelong learning 2030
Global lessons from innovative apprenticeships
Publications
Policy Brief
Recommendation No. 208 on Quality Apprenticeships: What Role for Trade Unions?
Skills development
Skills Matter!
Policy brief
Strengthening apprenticeships for transitions to formality
Upgrading apprenticeship systems in the informal economy
Millions of young people in the developing world acquire skills through apprenticeships in the informal economy and in many countries, greatly outnumber youth acquiring skills through formal technical and vocational education and training. A new ILO labour standard on quality apprenticeships has focused attention on the need to upgrade training and learning to strengthen apprenticeships in the informal economy.
Multimedia
Podcast
How can we close the skills gap? Quality apprenticeships and the future of work
Listen to this podcast on quality apprenticeships featuring Martin Henry, Research, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator of Education International, and Kathryn Rowan, Executive Director of GAN, the Global Apprenticeship Network.
Video
Quality apprenticeships and the future of work
Quality apprenticeships are proven to: Improve employability of apprentices; boost productivity; and, tackle skills mismatches.
Projects
Project
Apprenticeships Development for Universal Lifelong Learning and Training (ADULT)
Global Skills Programme
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Related topic
Skills and Lifelong Learning