European social partners work together to promote dual training

The European social partners have issued a statement outlining their joint vision of training systems in Europe. Strengthening dual training is also an important part of the European Union (EU) Commission's "Skills Agenda".

The European social partners have issued a joint declaration which lays out guidelines for high-quality and cost-effective training systems in Europe. The declaration, "Towards a shared vision of apprenticeships", was formally presented on the occasion of the final conference of two EU-financed projects on the topic of dual training carried out by BUSINESSEUROPE and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).

BUSINESSEUROPE and the ETUC had set the ball rolling as long ago as 2013 via the vehicle of the "European Alliance for Apprenticeships", a platform set up by the EU Commission.

In their study, BUSINESSEUROPE, the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME) and the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services (CEEP) concentrated on the cost-effectiveness of training systems. The ETUC prepared a study containing 20 criteria for high-quality training.

In the statement presenting their joint vision of training, the social partners highlighted the benefits of training systems for the European economy. Dual training has been proven to help increase employability and thus contribute towards reducing youth unemployment.

Further items included in the declaration focus on issues such as quality assurance, which in particular is achieved by involving the social partners in the development of training regulations, via the use of qualified trainers and by preparing trainees for the world of work whilst they are still at school.

The financing of training systems should be based on a balanced division of costs between the public purse and employers. Within this system, it is important that training allowances are structured in such a way so as not to impose too high a burden on companies. The need to strengthen dual training systems and improve training permeability were further important conclusions to emerge from both projects.

The declared aim of the debate between the European social partners is to achieve a joint positioning with all EU member states with regard to dual training. The initiators are also calling upon the EU Commission to develop reference criteria to improve training in Europe.