Brussels The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) Youth Committee has launched a new initiative to elevate the voices of apprentices and young workers in shaping European policy, particularly in the context of the European Year of Youth and Skills.
The campaign aims to ensure that apprentices are not just passive participants in vocational systems but active contributors to policy debates on education, labor rights, and youth empowerment. ETUC Youth is calling for better working conditions, fair pay, and stronger representation for apprentices across Member States.
Key goals of the initiative include:
- Creating formal channels for apprentices to engage with EU institutions and national governments
- Promoting inclusive dialogue between trade unions, employers, and policymakers
- Highlighting the challenges apprentices face, such as low wages, lack of social protection, and limited career mobility
- Integrating apprentices’ perspectives into the EU’s broader strategy on youth employment and skills development
The ETUC Youth Committee emphasized that apprenticeships must be more than training—they should be stepping stones to decent work. The initiative also aligns with the EU’s Social Pillar Action Plan, which prioritizes youth inclusion and lifelong learning.
This move reflects growing recognition that young workers are central to Europe’s economic future, and their lived experiences must inform decisions on labor market reforms, digital transitions, and green jobs.
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