The objective of this call is to support the introduction or modernisation of apprenticeships within initial Vocational Education Training (VET) systems.

The Call encourages the development of high-quality apprenticeship-type training and excellence in work-based learning in VET through partnerships between National Authorities responsible for education, employment and economic affairs, social partners, relevant intermediary bodies (such as chambers of commerce, industry and crafts, professional and sectoral organisations), VET providers and other relevant stakeholders.
The present Call addresses National Authorities in charge of apprenticeship systems, embedded in the initial vocational education and training (VET) systems in each Erasmus+ programme country, or an organisation designated by them.

The direct involvement of the competent National Authorities is to make sure that the projects can effectively contribute to national reforms, building high-quality apprenticeship schemes, and can be linked to the work of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships and the follow-up of the Bruges Communiqué. Grants will support national authorities’ reform programmes, and may include activities such as bilateral cooperation with other countries, targeted study visits, feasibility studies for pilot sectors to be involved in apprenticeships, definition of a strategy for training of in-company trainers, expert advice on draft apprenticeship regulations.

Who can apply
National authorities in charge of apprenticeship systems, embedded in the initial vocational education and training (VET) systems and seeking their reform in each Erasmus+ programme country.
Grant applications must be submitted by at least two entities from at least two different programme countries.
The leading applicant (co-ordinator) must be a National Authority or an organisation designated by the National Authority responsible for VET and for defining, monitoring and potentially revising the legislative framework for apprenticeships and located in a programme country.
Eligible co-applicants may be ministries and other stakeholders, such as social partners, businesses, chambers of commerce, VET providers, etc.
Where the leading applicant (co-ordinator) is an organisation designated by a National Authority, the National Authority designating it must be included in the application either as co-applicant, or as an affiliated entity or as an associated partner participating in the implementation on a no-cost basis.

Natural persons are not eligible.

Eligible countries are:
28 Member States of the European Union,
EEA EFTA States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway,
EU candidate countries: the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey,
Potential EU candidate countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Eligible activities
– need to have a clear link to and be strongly embedded in on-going or planned reforms for setting up or strengthening apprenticeship schemes.
– need to engage relevant national stakeholders, as well as drawing on the advice and expertise of peers from one or more Erasmus+ programme countries with well-established apprenticeship systems or which are going through similar reform processes.

The following types of activities are eligible:
– reviews of national draft legislation, feasibility studies (including for pilot sectors to be involved in apprenticeships), cost-benefits analysis;
– etailed action plans for developing and implementing apprenticeships reforms;
– evaluations of pilot schemes and design of evaluation methodologies, including quality indicators;
– organising and/or participating in conferences, seminars and working groups;
– training activities, including a strategy for becoming in-company trainers;
– awareness-raising campaigns, valorisation and dissemination actions; activities that support project’s sustainability (promotion vis-à-vis the target population and potential future partners).
– exchanges of good and/or innovative practices;
– research activities;
– communities of practice.

The duration of the projects is 24 months. Applications for projects scheduled to run for a shorter or longer period than that specified in this call will not be accepted.

Budget
Maximum EU contribution awarded 300 000.
The EU grant is limited to a maximum co-financing rate of 75 % of eligible costs.

Deadline: was 26 June 2014 12:00 midday (Brussels time).

Find out more: http://tinyurl.com/op8lgq4

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