Webinar series on Apprenticeships for a Brighter Future – Episode 1

Financing of Apprenticeships

As apprenticeship systems evolve to meet the needs of modern economies, sustainable financing mechanisms are critical to ensuring their growth and accessibility. Governments, employers and workers’ organizations, as well as international organizations and technical agencies can collaborate to create models that support high-quality apprenticeships while incentivizing participation from both learners and enterprises. Financing options such as skills levies and incentives for employers have the potential to make apprenticeships viable.

This webinar, organized with DCdVET, provides a platform to share knowledge and best practices on financing apprenticeship systems. The session will feature insights from member organizations such as the ILO, British Council and Cedefop. The webinar is organized as a follow-up to discussions that took place in Turin in February 2024 during the Skills Fair on Quality Apprenticeships and is therefore open to all Fair participants.

Objectives

Share experiences and lessons learned from case studies to inform future strategies.
Explore the role of levy systems in funding apprenticeship programs
Discuss financial and non-financial incentives for employers and learners to engage in apprenticeships.

Tentative Agenda

Time	Agenda
13:00 – 13:05	Introduction Overview of the session, objectives by the ILO facilitator.
13:05 – 13:15	Models of financing apprenticeships and incentives for employers and learners Speaker: Vlasis Korovilos, Cedefop
13:15 – 13:25	Financing skills development through Skills Levies in Africa and UK Speaker: Rossi Vogler, British Council
13:25 – 13:35	Funding education systems: TVET and apprenticeships count! Speaker: Martin Henry, Education International
13:35 – 13:45	Challenge Fund for the promotion of dual training \| Example from Laos Speaker: Gunnar Specht, Planco
13:45 – 14:45	Short presentation by ILO followed by Q&A and Facilitated Discussion (based on questions received on Slido) ILO facilitator - Open floor for participant questions and sharing experiences.
14:45 - 15:00	Conclusions, closing remarks, and next steps

Target Audience

Skills Fair participants, Policy-makers and practitioners with an interest in apprenticeship systems.

Expected Outcomes

Increased understanding of financing models for apprenticeships, including skills levies and incentives.
Practical takeaways for Skills Fair participants to implement in their own contexts.
Strengthened collaboration within the Network of Champion Organizations.