Driving apprenticeship excellence: Highlights from the 10th EAfA-ETF Seminar in Podgorica

This milestone EAfA-ETF Seminar brought together around 80 participants from 29 countries to share practices and new opportunities for improving vocational education and training (VET) and work-based learning (WBL) in Europe and beyond.

Opening remarks from representatives of the European Commission, the ETF, Montenegro's Ministry of Education, and the EU Delegation in Montenegro set the tone for a forward-looking dialogue. Tatjana Ćalasan, State Secretary at Montenegro's Ministry of Education underscored the country's dedication to embedding practical learning into VET education and WBL systems.

EU social partners called for apprenticeships to offer fair pay, good working conditions, and meaningful learning - emphasising the vital role of social dialogue in shaping inclusive and responsive apprenticeship programmes.

The European Commission celebrated EAfA's expansion, welcoming Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence) and Ukraine as its 42^nd and 43^rd members,alongside six new pledgers.

Sharing successes, tackling challenges

The first day of the seminar provided a dynamic platform for exchanging national experiences and strategies in WBL. Discussions centred on strengthening legal frameworks, harnessing digital innovation, and deepening social partner involvement to ensure quality pathways to employment.

Some countries focused on VET in the context of the twin green and digital transition. For example, North Macedonia presented its fully integrated Dual VET system, supported by digital tools for training mentors and real-time monitoring. Similarly, Türkiye presented the reforms implemented to blend green and digital skills into its master-apprentice tradition.

Other countriesfocused on ensuring inclusivity and fairness, such as Lithuania, which has introduced mandatory apprenticeship contracts and inclusive trainer development led by trade unions. Luxembourg aims to improve women's inclusion by focusing on collaborative governance and outreach to boost female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Montenegro's WBL evolution

Montenegro also presented its evolving WBL landscape, including the recent legal update on the VET reform, the introduction of micro-qualifications, and efforts to develop sustainable financing models. Ongoing initiatives in Montenegro aim to expand the reach of practical training, enhance VET quality, and support dual education students through scholarships.

Site visits to the Secondary Vocational School Spasoje Raspopović, the La Parisienne factory, and the Junior High School of Electrical Engineering Vaso Aligrudić offered attendees first-hand insights into how practical training is embedded in Montenegro's VET system, sparking discussions on tackling labour shortages and motivating young people to pursue skilled trades.

Financial Incentives to unlock apprenticeship potential

The second day of the seminar featured two thematic panels on how to incentivise apprenticeships and match learners with companies, with examples from Serbia, France, Montenegro, Spain, and Hungary, alongside DC dVET, ETUC, and OBESSU.

The first thematic panel explored how financial and non-financial incentives - ranging from tax relief to training support for in-company trainers - can encourage business participation, especially among SMEs.

In Austria, the prospect of acquiring skilled employees was cited as a stronger motivator for hiring apprentices, while Serbia's non-financial incentives, such as free in-company trainings and administrative support, had proved highly effective.

In contrast, France's experience highlighted the need for sustainable financing models following rapid expansion of apprenticeships.

Trade unions stressed the importance of linking incentives to quality standards, fair remuneration, and social protection.

Solutions for matching learners with companies

The second panel examined diverse mechanisms for connecting learners with companies, from school-led models to market-driven platforms, which require tailored and transparent placement processes.

The panel discussion highlighted key challenges including mismatches at professional, individual, regional, and informational levels.

The panel proposed solutions to these challenges, including the structured, school-led matching and employer co-governance in Spain, the sectoral training centres in Hungary, and the criteria-based matching and strong career guidance in Montenegro.

OBESSU called for open, accessible placement systems that reflect apprentices' varied interests and ambitions.

Looking ahead: a shared vision for the Alliance

As the seminar drew to a close, participants reflected on ten years of EAfA-ETF collaboration.

The message was clear: apprenticeships are more than a route to employment - they are a bridge linking education, innovation, and economic resilience. Speakers reaffirmed the importance of quality, sustainability, and robust monitoring data, aligned with frameworks such as the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA).

With fresh insights, renewed commitments, and a strong spirit of collaboration, the 10^th EAfA-ETF Seminar laid the foundation for continued progress in VET and apprenticeships across Europe and beyond.

All photos from the event and other materials can be found here.

You can download the full event report below.