The purpose of this analytical study was to provide Members of the EMPL Committee with an up-to-date picture of developments in this area in connection with the European Commission Work Programme 2016 and the New Skills Agenda published in the first half of 2016. The analytical study gave a sound overview and analysis of different types of apprenticeships, internships and volunteering, key factors having an impact on the employability of young people and of the role of European initiatives to increase quality, effectiveness and dissemination. The study provides, from an analytical perspective, summary on the following:

• Inventory of types and trends, good practices of apprenticeships, internships (traineeships) and volunteering and their distribution across Member States 

• Analysis of quality of apprenticeships, internships and volunteering 

• Inventory of (premeditated) abuse

• Against this background, the study will analyse the existing European programmes and initiatives

• Analysis of progress and challenges including research gaps and taking account of the view of relevant stakeholders (interviews).

• The study concludes with recommendations for future research and for policy development at EU and at national level.

Services:

This study foresees:

 Literature review and data analysis

 Interviews with key stakeholders

 Drafting the analytical study for submission

Project developed within the framework contract IP/A/EMPL/FWC/2013-021/LOT1 - Lot 1