The results of EAfA’s 2024–2025 monitoring survey are out!

Progress on EAfA's objectives

The majority of respondents reported progress across EAfA's six objectives, with quality and image emerging as the strongest areas (93% each), followed by digital (85%) and supply (81%). Key findings include:

• Apprenticeship creation reached a record high, with members reporting over 2 million apprenticeship places between September 2024 and August 2025. Of these, at least 402,000 were for women and girls, and nearly 143,000 were in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields - including almost 38,000 places specifically for women and girls.These figures are conservative as not all members reported the share of apprenticeship places occupied by girls/women.
• To enhance the qualityof apprenticeships, respondents introduced new feedback systems, updated curricula and strengthened partnerships with industry to better align with labour market needs. All of this was introduced in line with the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA).
• To improve the image of apprenticeships, organisations/stakeholders participated in fairs, competitions, award ceremonies and visibility campaigns, frequently adopting multi-dimensional strategies that combined stakeholder engagement, the sharing of success stories, social media promotion and policy advocacy.
• Members continued active participation in mobility, participating in EU-funded schemes such as Erasmus+, which supported at least 119,000 mobility experiences between 2024 and 2025. Respondents reported implementing specific measures to support apprentices during their learning and mobility experiences, including mentoring, guidance, and personalised assistance.
• Efforts to promote green and digital skills included integrating sustainability principles in apprenticeships, organising awareness-raising campaigns and embedding digital training - such as coding and cybersecurity - through teacher upskilling and inclusive programmes.
• Addressing the underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM remains a key priority. Members highlighted the value of outreach campaigns, mentorship and role model programmes, and more inclusive curricula and training models to broaden participation.
• Following the European Commission's Action Plan on Basic Skills, members identified foundational skill gaps among apprentices, particularly in mathematics and digital literacy. Many organisations responded to this challenge by updating curricula and adopting project-based learning approaches.

Main challenges and good practices for the EAfA community

Most respondents reported challenges in implementing their pledges, notably limited financial and human resources, administrative burden and changing legislative frameworks. Several also noted that apprenticeships remain low on national political agendas.

Despite these obstacles, members shared many examples of good practice including participation in mobility and inter-company programmes, awareness-raising activities, strengthened stakeholder cooperation and the development of personalised training pathways. They also highlighted progress in digitalisation, green skills initiatives, innovative curricula and initiatives promoting social cohesion.

Future plans

For 2025-2026, respondents plan to expand apprenticeship opportunities by engaging employers, developing new programmes and aligning with EU quality standards such as the European Quality Assurance in Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and EFQEA. Visibility efforts will continue through multi-channel communication and participation in key events, while mobility is expected to grow further through Erasmus+ and long-term placements.

Members also aim to advance green and digital skills by embedding them into training programmes and upskilling staff. Strengthening basic skills will involve blended learning approaches and integrating transversal competencies across curricula.

Boosting women's participation in STEM will remain a key priority with plans for outreach initiatives, ambassador programmes and gender-sensitive measures such as flexible learning pathways, childcare support, scholarships and targeted guidance. Together, these efforts contribute to the EU's ambitious goal of attracting one million women and girls into STEM by 2028.

The added value of EAfA

About 96% of respondents shared a positive view of EAfA, recognising it as a multi-stakeholder platform for improving the quality, supply and image of apprenticeships, while also enhancing the mobility of apprentices. Members particularly valued EAfA's role in knowledge sharing, enhancing visibility and credibility, providing EU policy guidance and quality frameworks, and offering practical support for international mobility.

Organisations also appreciated the Alliance's opportunities for cooperation, networking and partnership building, enabling joint projects, Erasmus+ collaborations and strategic engagement with schools, companies and policymakers.

You can read the full report and the many good practices shared by EAfA members here:

If you are not already a member, consider making your own pledge and joining the EAfA community.

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