Employability and transition to work
Helping young people move from education into decent work is a priority for the ETF. We support partner countries in designing policies and practices that make this transition smoother, fairer, and more inclusive.
The challenges faced by young graduates
Young graduates and early school leavers face significant obstacles when moving from education into the labour market.
They often lack work experience, job search skills, and confidence in interviews or presentations.
When employed, they experience higher turnover than older workers.
Without targeted support, many risk long periods of unemployment.
Vulnerable groups, especially those with the lowest levels of education, are most at risk. These challenges affect not only individuals but also economies and societies in both the short and long term.
ETF’s monitoring and mapping policies
The European Training Foundation monitors labour market conditions and youth transition policies across its partner countries. The evidence gathered informs EU-led initiatives and national programmes. Results are shared with stakeholders and specialists in human capital development to strengthen youth employability and guide reforms.
Key actions include:
Regular monitoring of labour market and employment trends
Mapping of youth transition policies in partner countries
Sharing evidence with EU institutions, national authorities, and stakeholders
Work-based learning
Work-based learning in vocational education is increasingly recognised as a priority in ETF partner countries and in the European Union. This approach helps:
Improve skills and employability
Enhance competitiveness
Promote social inclusion
This creates benefits for learners, employers, and society alike. The ETF supports employers, social partners, and other stakeholders to take part in the governance of vocational education systems. Their involvement helps align training programmes with the needs of modern labour markets.
This approach creates a win–win–win for learners, employers, and society.
Supporting stakeholders
The ETF works with employers, social partners, and other stakeholders to:
Increase participation in vocational education governance
Align training programmes with the needs of 21st‑century labour markets
Programmes across sectors
Work-based learning applies to all levels of vocational education — initial, post-secondary, and continuing.
It can be implemented in any sector, from industry to services and agriculture.
It is especially relevant in sectors undergoing rapid technological change or where schools lack infrastructure for practical training.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a major form of work-based learning, offering young people the chance to earn while they learn.
They play a key role in tackling youth unemployment.
Many partner countries are piloting or reforming apprenticeship and dual education systems with ETF support.
ETF also assists EU candidate countries through the European Alliance for Apprenticeships, which promotes:
Quality and supply of apprenticeships
Positive image and visibility
Mobility across countries
This platform brings together companies, chambers of commerce, practitioners, social partners, the European Commission, and national governments.