New directions for apprenticeships

Abstract

Apprenticeship has proven its effectiveness in equipping young persons with the skills needed by the labor market. However, in the context of learning societies, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of the apprenticeship model for reskilling and upskilling of adults and older workers. This chapter explores promising practices that have the potential to give apprenticeships a new direction and make them attractive and effective for adults and older workers, as well as for millennials and digital natives. These include using intermediaries to increase the participation of employers, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises; improving the management of apprenticeship training with the help of digital technology; bridging the skills gap in digital economy; introducing higher-level or degree-level apprenticeships; making apprenticeship programs accessible and effective for adults and older workers; and providing quality learning opportunities in the informal sector.