Bolster skills in businesses: apprenticeships and dual learning schemes

In a general context of skills shortages, new digital and green skills include technological innovations stemming from corporate research and development activities and from university and institutional research. Combining in-company training with training provided by training providers is a particularly effective way of ensuring that these new skills are acquired.

Apprenticeship-based training is instrumental in equipping people with the digital and environmental skills that will be needed in the European labour market. Businesses of all sizes play a decisive role in training apprentices. This training can also take the specific features of SMEs into account, as many respond to niche market needs that require unique know-how.

Mastering basic skills is essential for pursuing vocational training such as an apprenticeship, which is often a bridge between school and the working world for many young people in difficult situations as it tailors training to the workplace. The EESC notes that in many EU countries, apprenticeships and certification schemes operate in silos. It supports the objective of a thorough reform, for example to adapt training to labour market needs, improve accessibility and foster transferable skills. In the meantime, a disruptive approach is needed to allow rapid adjustments to be made. The EESC proposes a new approach to apprenticeship systems that would involve the provision of a complementary training module in the field of new technologies or creativity in relation to digital and green skills, which would account for 5-10% of the vocational training course. This additional module, chosen by the company and the training provider in consultation with professional bodies, will either be noted on the main certification or be covered by a micro-certification. The EESC proposes that this method be tested by Union of Skills projects that aim to ‘develop an attractive and innovative vocational education and training (VET) system’.

The social partners are great at gauging the skills needs in the labour market. The EESC reiterates that the social partners are effective players in designing and managing training systems; they are particularly well-placed to measure the skills needs of the labour market.

Learning digital skills involves mastering artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The opportunities and risks that AI use brings form an integral part of apprenticeship-based training. This means including AI in the design of training schemes and educating young people about AI as soon as they begin general training.

The EESC strongly supports the Erasmus+ programme, which is targeted towards students who are enrolled in vocational training programmes within a school-based system, as well as apprentices. It enables people to carry out traineeships in European companies, to undertake training courses in Europe in a vocational training organisation, or to take part in educational exchanges.

The EESC notes that support and guidance services are needed to inform young people about the new skills and the opportunities in the labour market. The aim is to help people discover new digital and green professions and learn about the transformation of existing professions by taking advantage of the possibilities offered by apprenticeships for successful integration into long-term employment. The information and guidance provided should also give the different forms of vocational training the same weight, particularly as apprenticeships offer very high rates of direct integration into the labour market.

By Jean-Michel POTTIER, Rapporteur of SOC/826 How apprenticeships and dual learning schemes can bolster the skills that businesses need in order to face the challenges of the green and digital transitions