System and policy level: Key building blocks for Quality apprenticeships system

The ILO approach to developing successful Quality Apprenticeship systems is based on six key building blocks:


Why are these building blocks so important?

Quality Apprenticeships form a bridge between the world of education and the world of work, based on social dialogue involving the social partners – employers and their associations and trade unions, who are best placed to identify the training that is needed and the way that it should be provided.

Quality Apprenticeships require a robust and stable regulatory framework, which establishes the overall conditions for designing and implementing systems and secures decent work for apprentices.

Quality Apprenticeships are built on the support and commitment of numerous stakeholders who have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They also have a common purpose, which ensures the coherence of the entire system.

Quality Apprenticeships generate both costs and benefits for the public authorities, employers and apprentices themselves. There must be a clear overall understanding that costs are shared equitably to ensure that all stakeholders are willing to participate on a long-term basis.

Quality Apprenticeships prepare young people for occupations and their participation in the labour market. This implies that employers and apprentices must know which occupations and skills are in demand, and how these skills will be recognized.

Quality Apprenticeships are not just designed for one social group. If they are to offer opportunities for all, there is a need to take positive action to increase diversity, improve reporting and accountability, incorporate a level of flexibility and enhance advice and support.