European cooperation on vocational education and training (launched in Copenhagen in 2002) has been further enhanced by the 2010 Bruges Communiqué and the 2015 Riga Conclusions where the EU, candidate countries, European Economic Area countries, EU social partners, the European Commission and European VET providers agreed on a set of deliverables for the period 2015-2020, including “Promote work-based learning in all its forms, with special attention to apprenticeships, by involving social partners, companies, chambers and VET providers, as well as by stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship” and “Introduce systematic approaches to, and opportunities for, initial and continuous professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in both school- and work-based settings”. Work-based learning, should be a central pillar of vocational education and training systems across Europe, with the aim of reducing youth unemployment, facilitating the transition from learning to employment and responding to the skill needs of the labour market. The aims of European Commission: attractiveness and quality of vocational education and training should be enhanced; learning pathways must reach into higher education levels; social partners and other relevant stakeholders need to be actively involved in development and implementation; and increased mobility measures must be introduced.  This guide aims to presenting an overview of available EU funding opportunities in supporting WBL. VET students will be able to learn valuable workplace skills in a professional environment, en­suring a greater degree of future employability.

In order to promote WBL and to complement national budgets, there is also significant EU funding available to help in this area:

Erasmus+ provides funding for learning experiences abroad for vocational education and training (VET) learners (including apprentices) and for teachers and trainers. It also provides funding for strategic partnerships involving education and training providers, social partners and companies, and for policy reform initiatives to strengthen WBL.

The European Social Fund can be used to support WBL at national level and initiatives to boost  quality of WBL. A tailor-made consultancy service on policy planning for apprenticeship and traineeship schemes has been set up, which can also serve the strategic use of the European Social Fund.