EuroApprentices International Meeting
Main Info
TCA Description
The event focuses on strengthening young people’s participation in democratic life, with a particular emphasis on the role of EuroApprentices as active ambassadors of European values. The main goal is to create a space for meaningful dialogue, exchange of experiences, and mutual learning among participants from different countries.
We aim to foster a deeper understanding of democratic principles, civic engagement, and the importance of active participation in society. Through interactive sessions and study visits, participants will explore how democratic values are reflected in both historical and contemporary contexts.
An important objective of the event is also to support the development of strong interpersonal connections, encourage collaboration, and build a sense of European community. By bringing together engaged young people, we want to empower them to become more confident, active, and responsible citizens who contribute to democratic life at local, national, and European levels.
As a result of the event, participants will strengthen their understanding of democratic values and increase their awareness of the importance of civic participation. They will gain new knowledge, skills, and inspiration that will support their further activities as EuroApprentices.
Participants will also develop practical ideas and tools for promoting Erasmus+ and active citizenship in their local communities. The event will enhance their communication, teamwork, and intercultural competences.
Another key outcome will be the creation of stronger networks among EuroApprentices from different countries. Establishing these connections will encourage future cooperation, exchange of good practices, and joint initiatives beyond the event itself.
Additionally, participants will leave the event with concrete plans on how to use the knowledge gained and how to multiply the impact of the experience after returning to their countries.
The event will combine educational, networking, and inspirational elements. It will include interactive workshops, group discussions, and study visits to places of high historical and social importance related to democracy and civic movements.
A special added value of the event will be the opportunity to engage directly with inspiring figures and institutions connected to democratic transformation. This will provide participants with a unique perspective on how individual and collective actions can shape democratic societies.
The programme is designed to be highly participatory, giving participants space to share their own experiences, reflect on their role as EuroApprentices, and actively contribute to the learning process.
Overall, the event aims not only to provide knowledge but also to build motivation, a sense of responsibility, and long-lasting connections among participants.
Partners and participants
The main target group of the event consists of young people involved in the EuroApprentices network who, during their vocational upper-secondary education (VET schools, technical schools, vocational schools, etc.), participated in an Erasmus+ mobility experience abroad.
These young people now actively share their experiences with peers and local communities, promoting the value of Erasmus+ mobility opportunities and encouraging others to take part in international experiences. Through their engagement, they demonstrate that participating in Erasmus+ projects can bring significant personal, educational, and professional benefits.
EuroApprentices also play an important role in promoting Vocational Education and Training (VET), showing that vocational pathways are valuable, future-oriented, and provide young people with practical skills, international competences, and better opportunities for personal and professional development.
The event also warmly welcomes staff members of National Agencies responsible for the EuroApprentices initiative, who support the development of the network, exchange good practices, and contribute to strengthening international cooperation within Erasmus+ and VET sectors.
Pending booked places
Accepted places
TCA Participant Application
Long-term Activity Info
The following strategies and statements serve as key principles and rationale of the LTA:
• Council Recommendation ‘Europe on the Move’ – learning mobility opportunities for everyone: The Council recommendation has set new targets to be achieved at EU level by 2030: At least 12 % of learners in VET should benefit from learning mobility abroad a share of at least 20 % of people with fewer opportunities among all learners benefiting from learning mobility abroad at EU level by 2027.
• The EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 addresses young people’s concerns and aims to encourage young people to participate in democratic life, support social and civic engagement, and ensure that all young people have the resources they need to play an active part in society.
• “Participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement” is one of the horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programmes. The Erasmus+ Programme addresses the citizens’ limited participation in democratic processes and their lack of knowledge about the European Union. Therefore, the Programme tries to help them overcome the difficulties in actively engaging and participating in their communities and in the Union's political and social life. The “Youth Participation Strategy” for the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programmes underlines the relevance of the priority and the involvement of young people in democratic life.
• Teaching and promoting democratic participation and European values is a central task of education to maintain our democracies and ensure social and political participation of young people.
The EuroApprentices Network has cooperated in the last years with the European Alliance of Apprenticeship to highlight the importance of mobilities to make VET more attractive. The LTA will also keep an eye on a strategy on VET Ursula von der Leyen will propose corresponding to the political guidelines for the next European Commission (2024-2029), which aims to give VET the importance it deserves.
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Participating in the LTA, every NA needs to implement a national network of Erasmus+ Ambassadors. The profile of potential EuroApprentices can differ from country to country. Each NA selects their own participants on the basis of the following criteria:
• They participate or have participated in a VET programme.
• They have realized a stay abroad through Erasmus+ Programme.
Each participating NA is responsible for detailed formal arrangements. It is a common standard that the participants get a training at national level before or after having joined the network. New and most active EuroApprentices are invited to the annual International EuroApprentices Meeting which is one of the core activities of the network. EuroApprentices in general should not get a payment for performing their activities, but their travel and subsistence costs are reimbursed. Further specific activities in the framework of the LTA will be defined in a yearly work plan.
The following results are expected to be achieved by the activities of the LTA:
• Raising awareness and visibility of EuroApprentices Network: The EuroApprentices Network will gain significant visibility among stakeholders and NAs through targeted communication, participation in conferences, and engagement with NAs to showcase its benefits and success stories in VET.
• Training of Erasmus+ Ambassadors in VET: Training will be provided at national and international levels to equip EuroApprentices with skills and knowledge for effective advocacy of Erasmus+ and VET. This includes facilitating workshops and representing the Programme at various events, enhancing their impact and fostering democratic participation.
• Strengthening Democratic Participation of VET students: Activities such as workshops and discussions will promote active civic engagement, raise awareness about European values, and encourage EuroApprentices to engage in dialogues with politicians and society.
• Strengthening visibility of Inclusion and Diversity in Erasmus+ and among the network: The network will highlight stories of members who have overcome barriers, demonstrating the accessibility of the Erasmus+ Programme. Efforts will also include recruiting more Ambassadors from underrepresented groups to showcase their successes and inspire others.
• Extending cooperation with Salto PI and other stakeholders: Collaboration with SALTO PI will be enhanced, with SALTO PI advising and participating in online meetings. The NAs will continue to send EuroApprentices to events of stakeholder e.g. LTA P.E.A.C.E., European Alliance of Apprenticeship etc., promoting cross-sectoral networking and the understanding of civic engagement.
• Enhancing the community of Erasmus+ Ambassadors in VET: The community of Erasmus+ Ambassadors will be strengthened by involving more countries and NAs. Ambassadors will be encouraged to communicate and collaborate regularly, improving their ability to advocate for VET opportunities and contribute to the Erasmus+ Programme‘s success.
The predicted results will be revised in an Evaluation Meeting at the end of Phase II.