Skills development and employment : apprenticeships, internships and volunteering

This study discusses participation, outcomes, quality and challenges of apprenticeships, internships/traineeships and volunteering schemes. Though important, all three forms face challenges that need attention in the related existing and planned EU-level initiatives (such as the planned Quality Framework for Apprenticeships). Issues concern, for example, providing clarity on the employment status (mainly for apprenticeships) and on fair remuneration, this also to limit the risk of being sources for cheap labour. The note was prepared by Policy Department A at the request of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) to support the Committee's work on the New Skills Agenda.