Page 130 - Guiding-at-risk-youth-through-learning-to-work-Lessons-from-across-Europe

Guiding at-risk youth through learning to work
Lessons from across Europe

Apprenticeship schemes in Germany, Ireland, France, the Netherlands,
Austria, Portugal and Finland are being expanded and modernised. In Italy, the
apprenticeship route has been strengthened to improve both take-up and the
quality of provision to ensure that young people who drop out of education have
an opportunity to obtain a well-recognised qualification. Higher level
apprenticeships have also been introduced to enable graduates from apprentice
routes to obtain higher level qualifications. In Greece, the guidance and
counselling system for apprentices has been improved and information and
counselling offices (KPA) have been set up in different parts of the country.
Others countries are improving the systems in different ways, such as
focusing on learner retention or by introducing incentives for employers to recruit
apprentices. Research shows that learner retention can be improved through the
introduction of a more learner-centred approach. This includes arranging
sessions at appropriate times to improve attendance, developing a relationship
between staff and learners to encourage open discussion of concerns,
recognising learners’ achievements and helping them to identify opportunities
and formulate plans for the future (Jones and Simister, 2007). Providing
information and guidance to the learner from the initial point of engagement
through to induction and beyond can also play an important part, as guidance
can help to ensure that potential apprentices had realistic programme
expectations. Further, the integration and teaching of key skills at the start of the
programme is found to be effective.
To increase the number of employers offering apprentice places, certain
countries have provided specific employer incentives (Germany, France and
Austria). In France, tax exemptions have been introduced for individuals and
employers. A relationship between learners, providers and local employers may
also increase the number of employers interested in engaging in apprenticeship
programmes. In Austria, this has been achieved through a strong local network.
The Career catching counsellors project in Styria, Austria, aims to improve young
people’s access to information and guidance concerning apprenticeship places
and other training opportunities. It is seen as a highly successful model for
helping young people to progress from education into the labour market.
The project demonstrates the importance of forming networks of key
stakeholders to ensure that young people are able to access the most
appropriate opportunities and to ensure that employers are able to benefit by
receiving the most suitable candidates. The case study highlights the importance
of building strong relationships and channels of communication between these
key players and extending guidance beyond the young people themselves.

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