The Alliance, established in July 2013, gathers more than 150 stakeholders from 31 countries in the area of apprenticeships. The overarching objective is to engage in networking, cooperation and sharing of good practices in relation to quality apprenticeships.

CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger said: “Some Member States already have long-standing and successful apprenticeship systems based on quality learning outcomes and good working conditions. As a European trade union confederation, we consider it a natural task to establish cooperation and interaction between the European Alliance for Apprenticeships and our national member organisations active in this field, so that best practices may be shared.”

As a trade union confederation representing the interests of more than 5 million public sector workers, including from national trade unions in the education sector, CESI has been actively following the work of the Alliance since its inception. CESI will, as an official partner of the Alliance, focus its work in particular on events and meetings on the promotion of the reputation of apprenticeship schemes, also in public administrations, and the commitment of teachers in this field.

More information about CESI’s involvement in the Alliance can be accessed through CESI’s pledge as published on the European Commission’s EAfA website.