Background

This research on apprenticeships in manufacturing and advanced manufacturing is carried out in response to the increasing interest of EU and national policy makers in apprenticeships as a way to tackle the generally high levels of youth unemployment and to integrate young people into the labour market. It is, however, essential to ensure that any initiatives undertaken in relation to apprenticeships correspond to the needs of the labour market and the ways in which new technologies are transforming the work organisation and production processes across all sectors, particularly manufacturing.  The countries in focus in this research are five EU Member States (Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Ireland) and two non-EU countries (Australia and the USA). These countries were selected for the importance of advanced and high-tech manufacturing for the national economy and the labour market and for the prominent role of apprenticeships within the VET system.

Eurofound uses a variety of means to select contractors to assist it in carrying out its Programme of Work, in accordance with the public procurement rules of the European Union institutions. All information necessary for tendering is included either in the published notices in the Official Journal of the European Union or in the Tender Specifications provided directly to invited candidates.

Background