Ukraine, Kosovo* and the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA)

Ukraine is poised to join the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) as the European Union expands and broadens its efforts to strengthen skills training and the green transition.

The EAfA,  which counts more than 40 members across the EU and neighbouring countries, is a key part of a drive by the European Union to put targeted training for work at the heart of its employment, competitiveness and green transition strategy.

Ukraine’s membership is due to be announced at this week’s EAfA High-Level Event 2025 in Brussels, “Apprenticeships for the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal.” The two-day event includes, among others, contributions from Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation (ETF). It focuses on how strengthening the quality, supply and image of apprenticeships across Europe can help promote the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal.

Skills and a Clean Industrial Deal

The two new European Commission flagship initiatives are designed to emphasise the importance of skills development for a competitive, inclusive and green Europe.

• The Union of Skills supports upskilling, reskilling and the development of high-quality, inclusive and flexible education and training for all.
• The Clean Industrial Deal is a multi-annual plan aimed at aiding traditional energy-intensive industries to decarbonise, with a strong emphasis on skills development and quality employment.

Apprenticeships are seen as a key tool for advancing both initiatives and securing the human capital needed to build a strong, future-ready Europe.

Ukraine

The ETF has played an important role in supporting the latest developments in apprenticeships in Ukraine, including assisting with the country's application to join the EAfA. Despite Russia's ongoing war of aggression, Ukraine has continued to advance its system of work-based learning (WBL), dual education and apprenticeships over the past three years.

Iryna Shumik, Director General of Directorate of Professional Education at Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science, said: “Joining the EAfA will support Ukraine’s European integration, contribute to the reform of vocational education, and enhance the quality and prestige of apprenticeships as an effective pathway to a profession, employment and social inclusion.”

Since the introduction of new regulations in 2018, Ukraine has been moving towards a wider WBL and dual system in vocational and professional education. In this model,  students typically spend more time in enterprise, based on contracts between employers, students and educational institutions. 

Today, all 220,000 learners in vocational education in Ukraine are participating in WBL programmes, including nearly 17,000 on dual education courses in 176 institutions, around 30% of all VET schools. More than 1,000 enterprises across the country – including those in parts of the country heavily targeted by Russian forces – are involved in programmes covering 90 specialities, including key fields such as mechanical engineering, construction, transport, food services, logistics and agriculture. Detailed plans to expand provision over the next five years are being rolled out.

“The support of the ETF is extremely important for Ukraine, as it ensures a systematic alignment of vocational education with labour market needs,” Shumik added. “The ETF is a strategic partner (supporting us) in the development of work-based learning, particularly (over the years) through its assistance in improving the National Qualifications Framework, occupational standards and establishing mechanisms for the recognition of learning outcomes.”

Ukraine was not only looking to benefit from EAfA membership, but also to share crucial lessons learned during a time of war, she emphasised.

“Ukraine brings significant value to the EAfA thanks to its unique experience formed under the conditions of full-scale war” enabling it to share experience of “ensuring continuity of learning in times of crisis; maintaining flexible partnerships with businesses even during periods of instability; and integrating internally displaced persons and youth from vulnerable groups.”

Kosovo

Kosovo is also set to become a member of the EAfA, with the formal announcement expected at a regional conference in Montenegro in October. The ETF has provided strong support and guidance throughout the process, and Kosovo's joining will mean that the entire Western Balkans region is represented in the EAfA network, alongside ETF partner countries Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Valbona Fetiu-Mjeku, Head of Professional Training Standards and Quality Assurance, at the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Kosovo, said that EAfA membership would make it “easier for us to share a lot of government and ministry priorities that align with EU policies and reforms.”

Modern WBL was introduced following a broad review of the VET curriculum in 2009, and modular diplomas were introduced. Over the past four years, dual education has been introduced with flexible provision for schools and companies to adapt courses to suit labour market needs. More than a third (24) of Kosovo’s 68 vocational schools are involved in dual education, covering 14 employment profiles, with plans to expand the list, starting with Energy (including green alternatives and renewables) from September this year.

This year, the first cohort of dual education students will graduate and Mjeku says they have high hopes for them: “Our young people are very good; they show results wherever they go. Being in line with all countries, as a member of the EAfA, is a miracle.”

She also acknowledged the ETF for its support, calling it “our right hand… everything we need.”

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.