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< i COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 29.05.1998 
COM(1998) 342 final 
97/321(SYN) 
Amended proposal for a 
COUNCIL DECISION 
on the promotion of European 
pathways for work-linked training. 
including apprenticeship 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) 
of the EC-Treaty) 

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
1. The proposal for a decision to promote European pathways for work-linked training 
and apprenticeship has a twofold objective: 
• to define the content and the common principles for periods of training 
undertaken in another Member State (called 'European pathways for work-linked 
training, including apprenticeship *) as part of work-linked training when these 
periods are an integral part of the training followed in the original Member State; 
• enhance the transparency and profile of these periods of training by means of a 
document known as EUROPASS-Training whose content and presentation are 
defined at the Community level and which will attest to the training and/or work 
experience obtained by the beneficiaries in another Member State. 
2. The proposal for a decision was adopted by the Commission on 12 November 1997 
and was forwarded to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and 
Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on 9 January 1998. 
3. The Economic and Social Committee delivered its opinion on 29 April 1998 and the 
Committee of the Regions on 12 March 1998. 
4. Four European Parliament Committees - the Committee on Culture, Youth, 
Education and the Media; the Committee on Budgets; the Committee on 
Employment and Social Affairs; and the Committee on Economic and Monetary 
Affairs and Industrial Policy - produced an opinion with the Committee on 
Employment and Social Affairs acting as the committee responsible. The opinion of 
the European Parliament was delivered on 30 April 1998. 
5. The European Parliament has proposed 29 amendments, 26 of which can be 
accepted by the Commission and these bring an improvement to the proposal for a 
decision: 
• the amendments seeking to highlight the role of the SMEs and craft industry in 
the development of work-linked training and apprenticeship in Europe -the 
specific features of these companies mean they have different requirements- and 
also the role of the social partners and other partners in apprenticeship; 
• amendments seeking to guarantee a good flow of information and more effective 
support for the European pathways as they develop, particularly with regard to 
health, safety at work, languages, to name but a few considerations; 
amendments stressing the voluntary nature of the implementation of the 
European pathways; the Commission is aware of the diversity of policies, 
systems and approaches on work-linked training which exist in the Member 
States and this proposal for a decision in no way seeks to alter the organisation or 
the contents of Member States' systems and arrangements with regard to training. 
These European pathways are voluntary and are not restricted to those benefiting 
from a mobility grant under Community education and training programmes and 
initiatives. 
4, 
6. By contrast, two amendments cannot be accepted, nor can part of a third: 
• The amendment seeking to establish a minimum duration ("...this period should 
not be less than three months in totaF') may generate problems for achieving 
European pathways (amendment 19 to Article 2, point 4). 
The European pathways cannot be restricted to study visits and/or a cultural visit. 
We have to be sure that these are really good quality training periods. This is why 
the Commission is proposing that the duration be significant and be strictly linked to 
the objectives of the European pathway and the skills to be acquired, all matters to 
be specified before embarking on the European pathway and as part of a partnership 
established between the original partner, the host partner and the beneficiary. The 
diversity of systems from one Member State to another, the specific characteristics 
of branches and the very marked differences between durations which have been 
suggested to us during discussions in the European institutions show that 
establishing a minimum duration could prove a problem and even introduce an 
element of inflexibility with regard to the achievement of the European pathways. 
• The amendment proposing that "The Commission shall also produce an annual 
qualitative analysis of vocational demand so that the national vocational training 
plans may be adjusted to actual market requirements and young people may thus 
have a greater chance, with sought-after qualifications, of finding employment in 
the European labour market" cannot be accepted either because it calls into 
question the principle of subsidiarity. Moreover, a number of countries do not 
have a "national training plan" (amendment 29 to Article 6(3)(a)). 
• Lastly, amendment 28 can be accepted only in part. The addition made by the 
European Parliament to the text of the proposal for a decision and which specifies 
that "The proportion of the Community contribution shall be no less than 50%" 
runs counter to the guidelines set out in the Commission proposal on the 
implementation of the instrument (Article 7). 
Amended Proposal for a Council Decision on the promotion of European pathways for work-linked training, including apprenticeship 
COM (97) 572 final Amended proposal 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in 
particular Article 127 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission 1, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^, 
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of the 
Treaty in cooperation with the European Parliament-*, THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in 
particular Article 127 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee , 
Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of the 
Treaty in cooperation with the European Parliament 
1. Whereas the Treaty gives the Community the task of implementing a 
vocational training policy to support and supplement the action of 
Member States while fully respecting their responsibility in particular by 
promoting the mobility of persons in training, especially young people, 
excluding any harmonization of the laws and regulations of the Member 
States; Whereas the Treaty gives the Community the task of implementing a 
vocational training policy to support and supplement the action of Member 
States while fully respecting their responsibility in particular by promoting 
the mobility of persons in training, especially young people, excluding any 
harmonization of the laws and regulations of the Member States; 
>"" 2. Whereas the Council, by Decision 63/266/EEC^, established the general 
principles for implementing a common vocational training policy, notably 
by the second principle; whereas by Decision 94/819/EC^, it adopted the 
Leonardo da Vinci programme for implementing a Community vocational 
training policy; 2. Whereas the Council, by Decision 63/266/EEC , established the general 
principles for implementing a common vocational training policy, notably 
by the second principle; whereas by Decision 94/819/EC5, it adopted the 
Leonardo da Vinci programme for implementing a Community vocational 
training policy; 
Whereas the Florence European Council stressed the importance of 
apprenticeship for the creation of jobs, a sentiment echoed by the 
Commission in its communication "Promoting apprenticeship in 3. Whereas the Florence European Council asked the Commission to 
examine the relationship between apprenticeship and emplovability and 
whereas this relationship was shown to be beneficial by the Commission in 
OJC...of 1997, p. 
OJC.of 1997, p. 
Opinion of the European Parliament of. 
C). 
OJ 63, 20.4.1963, p. 1338. 
OJL 340,29.12.1994, p. 8. .1997 (OJ C), common position of the Council of 1997 (OJ C) and Decision of the European Parliament of 1997 (OJ 
Europe"®; its communication "Promoting apprenticeship in Europe »6. 
4. Whereas the Special European Council on employment in Luxembourg 
recognised the crucial role played by small and medium-sized undertakings 
in the creation of long-term employment: 
5. Whereas work-linked training in micro undertakings and in the craft sector 
and especially apprenticeship are successful instruments for integrating 
young people into the labour market because they enable young people to 
acquire the necessary skills to establish, in their turn, undertakings of this 
type or to help revive them; 
Whereas the Council Resolution of 18 December 1979 on work-linked 
training advocated that the Member States should encourage the 
development of effective'links between training and work experience; 
whereas that commitment is reiterated in the Council Resolution of 
o 
5 December 1994 on the quality and attractiveness of vocational 
education and training which stresses the importance of work-linked 
training and the need to step up periods of vocational training in other 
Member States and to integrate those periods into national vocational 
training programmes; *^ Whereas the Council Resolution of 18 December 1979^ on work-linked 
training advocated that the Member States should encourage the 
development of effective links between training and work experience; 
whereas that commitment is reiterated in the Council Resolution of 
5 December 1994** on the quality and attractiveness of vocational 
education and training which stresses the importance of work-linked 
training and the need to step up periods of vocational training in other 
Member States and to integrate those periods into national vocational 
training programmes; 
5. Whereas the Commission's White Paper "Teaching and learning: 
towards the learning society"** stresses the need for cooperation between 
schools and the business sector; Whereas the Commission's White Paper "Teaching and learning: towards 
the learning society" stresses the need for cooperation between schools 
and the business sector; whereas the "1998 employment guidelines" 
annexed to the Council Resolution of 15 December 199710 call on the 
Member States to improve the employment prospects of young people by 
equipping them with skills relevant to the labour market and whereas to 
this end the Council calls on the Member States to implement to develop 
6 COM(97) 300 final. 
7 OJC 1,3.1.1980, p. 1. 
8 OJ C 374, 30.12.1994, p. 1. 
9 COM(95) 590 final. 
OJL JO, 28.01.1998,1V I 10 
apprenticeship training schemes; 
6. Whereas training establishments and the business sector are 
complementary forums for the acquisition of general, technical and social 
knowledge and skills; whereas in this connection, work-linked training, 
including apprenticeship, makes a significant contribution to more 
effective social and occupational integration of young people in jobs and 
on the employment market and can bring benefits to various target 
publics and to various levels of teaching and training, including higher 
education where students have a contract of paid employment; Whereas training establishments and the business sector are 
complementary forums for the acquisition of general, technical and social 
knowledge and skills; whereas in this connection, work-linked training, 
including apprenticeship, makes a significant contribution to more 
effective social and occupational integration of young people in jobs and 
on the employment market and can bring benefits to various target publics 
and to various levels of teaching and training, including higher education 
where students have a contract of paid employment; 
^ Whereas individual transnational mobility aid for young people in work-
linked training, including apprenticeship, provided for by Community 
programmes and initiatives, particularly the Leonardo da Vinci 
programme, should be complemented by specific resources assembled, in 
cooperation with Member States, to implement a system of mutual 
information and coordination for the implementation of 
"European pathways "; Whereas individual transnational mobility aid for young people in work-
linked training, including apprenticeship, provided for by Community 
programmes and initiatives, particularly the Leonardo da Vinci 
programme, should, bearing in mind the sharp disparities in the 
development of the various national work-linked training schemes 
including apprenticeship,, be complemented by specific resources 
assembled, in close cooperation with Member States and with the social 
partners at various levels, to implement a system of mutual information 
and coordination for the implementation of "European pathways "; 
10. Whereas, among the various types of vocational training available, greater 
emphasis should be given to apprenticeships in future education and 
vocational training programmes taking steps in particular to promote 
transnational mobility for apprentices: 
11. Whereas in this context the EURES system could facilitate the finding and 
dissemination of information on work-linked training opportunities in 
another Member State; 
8. Whereas, in order to ensure quality training which can cater 
simultaneously for the requirements of individuals, large enterprises and 
SMEs, and society in general, it is important for work-linked training, 
including apprenticeship, to comply with common approaches, 
particularly with regard to teaching, organization and follow-upr and with 12. Whereas, in order to ensure, in the context of transnational mobility, 
quality training which can cater simultaneously for the requirements of 
individuals, industry. SMEs, and the craft sector and society in general, it is 
important for work-linked training, including apprenticeship, to comply with 
common procedures within the framework of an established partnership with 
regard to relations between the training establishment and the company; 
whereas in this connection, where Member States' systems envisage an 
element of mobility within a period of work-linked training, they should 
lay down appropriate measures so that those concerned can benefit from a 
common system of recognition for the completion of that period of 
training; the host partner, particularly with regard to teaching, organization and co­
ordination, and with regard to relations between the training establishment and 
the company; whereas in this connection, where Member States' systems 
allow for an element of mobility within a period of work-linked training in 
another Member State of the Community, they should lay down appropriate 
measures so that those concerned can benefit from a common system of 
recognition for the completion of that period of training; 
13.Whereas the trainee should be adequately prepared for a period of 
mobility, particularly in term of knowledge of the health and safety risks 
and procedures of the workplace in which he/she is going to be trained and 
basic language knowledge of the host country, assistance with 
accommodation, accessibility of expenses and wages so that thev can enjov 
the experience of training in fall; 
J 14. Whereas in the context of micro-undertakings and the craft sector, the role 
of the teaching mentor may be assumed by the master craftsman, whereas 
in this connection specific teaching measures are advisable to enable the 
mentor to perform his tasks: 
Whereas it is important to ensure the quality of such periods of 
transnational mobility and Member States have a particular responsibility 
in this area; whereas, moreover, in view of the Commission's 
Communication "Incorporating equal opportunities for women and men 
into all Community policies and actions"* *, it is important to make sure 
that due account is taken of equal opportunities in the participation in 
"European pathways" and appropriate measures must be taken to that 
end; 15. Whereas it is important to ensure the quality of such periods of 
transnational mobility and Member States have a particular responsibility 
in this area; whereas, moreover, in view of the Commission's 
Communication "Incorporating equal opportunities for women and men 
into all Community policies and actions" , it is important to make sure 
that due account is taken of equal opportunities in the participation in 
"European pathways" and appropriate measures must be taken to that end; 
whereas in this respect, equality of opportunity to participate should be 
irrespective of gender, race, relgion or disability; 
10.Whereas the Commission, in cooperation with the relevant bodies in the 
Member States, has the task of ensuring overall consistency in the 
implementation of this Decision with Community programmes and 
initiatives in education and vocational training; whereas it is necessary to 16. Whereas the Commission, with the support of the competent bodies in the 
Member States, has the task of ensuring overall consistency and svnergy in 
the implementation of this Decision with Community programmes and 
initiatives in education and vocational training; whereas the Commission in 
li COM(96) 67 final. 
monitor the implementation of this Decision on a permanent basis; co-operation with the Member States and the social partners must monitor 
the implementation of this Decision on a permanent basis; 
17.are Whereas three years from the entry into force of this Decision an 
assessment should be made of its impact, together with a review of the 
experience gained in implementing the "European pathways", to see 
whether corrective or support measures are needed: 
18.Whereas this action forms part of the overall framework of the programme 
relating to the Europe of Knowledge: 
^ 11. Whereas in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and the principle 
of proportionality as set out in Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of 
the action envisaged for the promotion of the European pathways for 
work-linked training, including apprenticeship, cannot be sufficiently 
implemented by the Member States in so far as such promotion and the 
setting up of a Community information document require coordinated 
action at Community level on the basis of common content and can 
therefore best be implemented at Community level because of the 
extreme diversity of training systems and structures in the 
Member States; whereas this Decision is limited to the minimum 
requirements to achieve those objectives and does not go beyond what is 
necessary to that end, 19. Whereas in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity and the principle 
of proportionality as set out in Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of 
the action envisaged for the promotion of the European pathways for work-
linked training, including apprenticeship, cannot be sufficiently 
implemented by the Member States in so far as such promotion and the 
setting up of a Community information document require coordinated 
action at Community level on the basis of common content and can 
therefore best be implemented at Community level because of the extreme 
diversity of training systems and structures in the Member States; whereas 
this Decision is limited to the minimum requirements to achieve those 
objectives and does not go beyond what is necessary to that end, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
Objectives 
1. This Decision sets out the content and the common principles applying to 
the implementation of"European pathways for work-linked training, 
including apprenticeship" ("European pathways"). 
2. This Decision establishes certification known as "EUROPASS-training" 
to attest at Community level to the period or periods of training followed 
by a person undergoing work-linked training, including apprenticeship, in HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 
Objectives 
1. This Decision sets out the content and the common principles applying to 
the implementation of "European pathways for work-linked training, 
including apprenticeship" (^European pathways") and determines who is 
responsible for the various aspects of their implementation. 
2. This Decision establishes certification known as "EUROPASS-training" to 
attest at Community level to the period or periods of training followed by a 
a Member State other than that in which he or she is being trained. person undergoing work-linked training, including apprenticeship, in a 
Member State other than that in which he or she is being trained. 
3. Participation in the "European pathways and use of this certification shall 
be voluntary. The certification shall be used in connection with 
partnerships within the meaning of Article 3. This Decision shall not 
establish anv rights other than those set out below. 
Article 2 
Definitions 
For the purposes of this Decision, and taking account of the differences 
which exist between the systems and provisions for work-linked training, 
including apprenticeship, in the Member States, the following definitions 
shall apply: 
vQ 1. "European pathway" means any period of vocational training pursued 
by a person in a Member State (host Member State) other than the one 
(Member State of provenance) where the person is following his or her 
work-linked training in the context of the said training; 
2. "person in work-linked training" means any person in vocational 
training, irrespective of level and including higher education, leading to a 
diploma or a qualification recognized by the competent authorities of the 
Member State concerned, and involving structured periods of work-linked 
training in a training establishment and in a company as separate and 
complementary places of training whatever the person's status as regards 
work contract, apprenticeship contract, school or student status; 
3. "teaching mentor" means any person in a company or a training 
establishment, who, for the purposes of work-linked training, has the task 
of assisting, informing, guiding and providing effective monitoring of 
people in training during their period in the company during the Article 2 
Definitions 
For the purposes of this Decision, and taking account of the differences which 
exist between the systems and provisions for work-linked training, including 
apprenticeship, in the Member States, the following definitions shall apply: 
1. "European pathway" means any period of vocational training pursued by 
a person in a Member State (host Member State) other than the one 
(Member State of provenance) where the person is following his or her 
work-linked training in the context of the said training; 
2. "person in work-linked training" means any person of any age in 
vocational training, irrespective of level and including higher education, 
leading to a diploma or a qualification recognized by the competent 
authorities of the Member State concerned, and involving structured 
periods of work-linked training in a training establishment and in a 
company as separate and complementary places of training whatever the 
person's status as regards work contract, apprenticeship contract, school or 
student status; 
!* "teaching mentor" means any person in a company or a training 
establishment, who, for the purposes of work-linked training, has the task 
of assisting, informing, guiding and providing effective monitoring of 
people in training during their period in the company during the "European 
"European pathway"; 
4. "significant duration" means a duration of work-linked training 
completed in another Member State and considered jointly by the parties 
concerned to contribute to the overall, high-quality, training pathway; 
5. "EUROPASS-training" means a document establishing that the holder 
has completed one or more periods of work-linked training, including 
apprenticeship, in another Member State under the conditions defined in 
this Decision; 
6. "host partner" is the organization responsible for the "European 
pathway" in the host Member State (enterprise, training establishment or 
centre, etc.). pathway"; for this purpose, the mentor shall act closely with the 
competenct professional bodies taking part in the "European pathway" 
4. "significant duration" means a duration of work-linked training 
completed in another Member State and considered jointly by the parties 
concerned to contribute to the overall, high-quality, training pathway; 
5. "EUROPASS-training" means a document establishing that the holder 
has completed one or more periods of work-linked training, including 
apprenticeship, in another Member State under the conditions defined in 
this Decision; 
6. "host partner" is the organization responsible for the "European pathway' 
in the host Member State (enterprise, training establishment or centre, 
etc.). 
0 Article 3 
Content and common principles 
1. Where Member States provide in their vocational training system for 
work-linked training including an element of mobility in another Member 
State, they shall adopt the necessary measures so that those persons in 
training concerned can benefit from "European pathways". 
2. The "European pathways" shall be an integral part of the training 
followed in the Member State of provenance. 
3. A partnership between the organization responsible for the training in the 
Member State of provenance and the host partner in the other Member 
State shall define the content, the objectives in terms of competences, the 
duration as well as the practicalities of monitoring the "European 
pathways". 
4. The "European pathways" shall be monitored and supervised by a 
teaching mentor in the host partner, account being taken in this regard of 
the capacity of SMEs and crafts to provide such monitoring. Article 3 
Content and common principles 
1. Where Member States allow in their vocational training system for work-
linked training including an element of mobility in another Member State, 
they shall adopt the necessary measures so that those persons in training in 
another Member State can benefit from "European pathways" in 
accordance with the applicable labour and social security standards. 
2. The "European pathways" shall be an integral part of the training followed 
in the Member State of provenance, and shall not be used as a means of job 
substitution in the Member State of provenance. 
3. A partnership between the organization responsible for the training in the 
Member State of provenance and the host partner in the other Member 
State shall define the content, the objectives in terms of competences, the 
duration as well as the practicalities of monitoring the "European 
pathways". 
4. The "European pathways" shall be monitored and supervised by a teaching 
5. The "European pathways" shall be of significant duration. 
6. The "European pathways" shall be certified as such by the organization 
responsible for the training in the Member State of provenance in 
accordance with Article 4. mentor in the host partner, account being taken in this regard of the 
capacity of SMEs and crafts to provide such monitoring. 
5. The "European pathways" shall be of significant duration. 
6. The "EUROPASS-Training" shall be certified as such by the organization 
responsible for the training in the Member State of provenance in 
accordance with Article 4. 
Article 4 
"EUROPASS-training" 
1. A record of achievement, "EUROPASS-training", shall be issued to all 
persons completing a "European pathway". It shall have the form of a 
Community information document, the contents and presentation of 
which are described in the Annex. 
2. EUROPASS-training shall: 
a) set out precisely the type of vocational training followed within which the 
"European pathway" was completed as well as the final qualification or 
diploma according to the rules and arrangements in force in the Member 
State of provenance; 
b) specify that the said "European pathway" is an integral part of the 
training undertaken in the Member State of provenance; 
c) show the content of the "European pathway" specifying the skills 
acquired during the work experience or training; 
d) indicate the duration of the "European pathway" organized by the host 
partner during the work experience or training; 
e) identify the host partner; 
f) indicate the qualifications of the teaching mentor; Article 4 
"EUROPASS-training" 
1. A record of achievement, "EUROPASS-training", shall be issued to all 
persons completing a "European pathway". It shall have the form of a 
Community information document, the contents and presentation of which 
are described in the Annex. 
2. EUROPASS-training shall: 
a) set out precisely the type of vocational training followed within which the 
"European pathway" was completed as well as the final qualification or 
diploma according to the rules and arrangements in force in the Member State 
of provenance; 
b) specify that the said "European pathway" is an integral part of the training 
undertaken in the Member State of provenance; 
c) show the content of the "European pathway" specifying the skills acquired 
during the work experience or training; 
d) indicate the duration of the "European pathway" organized by the host 
partner during the work experience or training; 
e) identify the host partner; 
f) indicate the qualifications of the teaching mentor; 
g) be issued by the body responsible for the vocational training followed by 
the person concerned in the Member State of provenance; it shall also be 
signed by that Member State, the host partner and by the person concerned. 
3. The provisions concerning "EUROPASS-training" shall also apply when 
the "European pathway" includes a series of training periods in several 
Member States. g) be issued by the body responsible for the vocational training followed by 
the person concerned in the Member State of provenance; it shall also be 
signed by that Member State, the host partner and by the person concerned. 
3. The provisions concerning "EUROPASS-training" shall also apply when 
the "European pathway" includes a series of training periods in several 
Member States. 
Article 5 
Consistency and complementarity 
The Commission, in compliance with the procedures and resources of the 
Community programmes and initiatives in education and vocational training, 
shall ensure overall consistency between the implementation of this Decision 
and those programmes and initiatives. Article 5 
Consistency and complementarity 
The Commission, in compliance with the procedures and resources of the 
Community programmes and initiatives in education and vocational training, 
shall ensure overall consistency and synergy between the implementation of 
this Decision and those programmes and initiatives. 
** Article 6 
Support and accompanying measures 
The Commission shall be responsible for the production, and 
appropriate diffusion and monitoring of the "EUROPASS-training" in 
close cooperation with the Member States. To this end, each Member 
State shall designate a body for coordination and implémention at 
national level in close cooperation with the social partners as well as 
representative organizations for work-linked training. 
Each Member State shall make the necessary arrangements and take 
the necessary measures to: 
(a) allow quality control as well as qualitative evaluation of the 
actions implemented, 
and 
(b) facilitate equal opportunities, in particular by raising the 
awareness of the mentors in that respect. Article 6 
Support and accompanying measures 
The Commission shall co-ordinate the measures to supervise and 
evaluste the "European pathways" implemented under the Decision and 
shall be responsible for the setting-up , and appropriate diffusion and 
monitoring of the "EUROPASS-training" in close cooperation with the 
Member States. To this end, each Member State shall designate one or 
more bodies for coordination and implémention at national level in 
close cooperation with the social partners as well as representative 
organizations for work-linked training. 
Each Member State shall make the necessary arrangements and take the 
necessary measures to: 
(a) allow quality control as well as qualitative evaluation of the 
actions implemented, 
and 
(b) facilitate equal opportunities, in particular by raising the 
awareness of the mentors and training partners in that respect. 
(c) facilitate the provision to trainees of guidance regarding health and 
safety risks and procedures of the hosting Member State in 
the workplace. 
3. In close cooperation with the Member States, the Commission shall set 
up a mutual coordination and information system. In close cooperation with the Member States, the Commission shall set 
up a mutual coordination and information system in order to promote 
the implementation of the "European pathways". In particular, it shall 
encourage the dissemination of information on workmnked training 
opportunities in the Member states of the Community and the 
establishment of partnerships. 
Within three years of the entry into force of this Decision the 
Commission shall submit to the Council and the European Parliament a 
report on its implementation, evaluate the impact of the Decision on the 
promotion of mobility in work-linked training, including 
apprenticeship, and propose any supplementary measures needed in 
order to make it more effective. 
Article 7 
Financing 
The resources needed to implement Article 6(1) and (3) shall be covered by 
the general budget of the European Union within ils_financial perspective. 
I/O Article 7 
Financing 
The resources needed to implement Article 6(1) and (3) shall be granted by 
the budgetary authority within the annual budgetary procedure and within the 
financial perspective. 
Article 8 
Applicability 
This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2000. Article 8 
Applicability 
This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2000. 
Article 9 
Addressees 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Article 9 
Addressees 
This Decision is addressed to the Member States. 
< ANNEX 
"EUROPASS-training" 
Description of the document 
The document is in the form of a report book (format A5). 
It consists of six sheets in addition to the cover sheet. 
On the front cover will appear: 
• the term "EUROPASS-training" 
• the logo of the European Community 
Inside front cover 
General description of the "EUROPASS-training" record of achievement (in the language of the holder). 
This Community information document known as "EUROPASS-training" is established in accordance with Decision 98/..../CE concerning the 
implementation of "European pathways for work-linked training and apprenticeship". 
Its purpose (in accordance with Article 2 of the Decision) is to stand as a record of achievement during the period(s) of training completed by a young person 
in work-linked training and/or apprenticeship in a Member State other than the one in which he/she is undertaking his training; 
Page 1, side 1 
Particulars of the holder (in the holder's language). 
The different headings will be given in the other Community languages on the inside back cover page. 
Page 1, side 2 
European pathway 1 
(language of the original establishment) 
s (a) vocational training followed and qualification of diploma to which it gives rise; 
(b) this "European pathway" is an integral part of the training followed; 
(c) content of the "European pathway" and skills acquired during the work experience or training; 
(d) duration of the "European pathway"; 
(e) details of the host partner (training centre and/or company); 
(f) qualifications of the teaching mentor; 
(g) joint signature of the original training body, the host partner and the person concerned. 
Page 2, side 1 
European pathway 1 
repeat of the details given on page 1, side 2, in the language of the host partner. 
Page 2, side 2 
European pathway 1 
repeat of the details given on page 1, side 2, in the language of the holder if different from that used on page 1. 
Pages 3, sides 1 and 2, page 4, side 1 
European pathway 2 (if appropriate). 
Page 4, side 2, page 5, sides 1 and 2 
European pathway 3 (if appropriate). 
FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
1. Tri LK OF ACTION 
Promotion of European pathways for work-linked training and apprenticeship 
2. BUDGET LINE 
B3-1020 Social dialogue action and and preparatory measures to strengthen 
cooperation in the field of vocational training. 
3. LEGAL BASE 
Article 127 of the Treaty 
Council Decision No 98/..../EEC of 
4. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION 
4.1. General objective 
The action proposed by the Parliament and the Council Decision aims to promote 
European pathways for work-linked training and apprenticeship (hereinafter referred 
to as "European pathways") and to grant a documented record of achievement 
("EUROPASS") to the participants of these "European pathways". 
4.2. Period covered and arrangements for renewal or extension 
Ongoing operation to be launched on 1 January 1999. 
5. CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE 
5 1 DNO. 
5 2 CD 
6. TYPE OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE 
The expenditure comprises: 
those subventions for the co-financing with other private and public sector sources 
(subventions of the Resource Centres designated by the Member States for the 
production and diffusion of EUROPASS, subventions for organizing events in the 
Member States and at the Community level in support of the action. The rate of 
Community subventions can be up to 50%. 100% subventions for Studies and 
experts' work contributing to the development of a common approach, particularly 
with regard to evaluation and for the design of the attestation of EUROPASS. 
\c 
7. FINANCIAL IMPACT 
7.1. Method of calculating total cost of operation (definition of unit costs) 
The following parameters will be used: . 
* cost of designing the "EUROPASS": ECU 100 000; 
* cost of producing the "EUROPASS" in the Member States, i.e. 100 000 
copies at a unit cost of ECU 3 = ECU 300 000 (for a full year); 
* cost of supporting the organization of networks and the dissemination of the 
"European pathways" and the EUROPASS at the cost of ECU 30 000 
per Member State = ECU 450 000; 
* cost of actions (notably conferences) for support and awareness-raising 
and evaluation at ECU 20 000 per Member State (= ECU 300 000) plus 
two Community-level conferences (=ECU 50 000 x 2) making a total of 
ECU 400 000; 
* cost of experts'studies and work. ECU 100 000. 
Thus, in a full year the cost is estimated at ECU 1.250 million for establishing the 
certification of EUROPASS for the first year (1999). On the other hand a 
substantial increase in the numbers of EUROPASS required is anticipated in the first 
two years (100 000 in 1999 and 200 000 in 2000). 
7.2. Itemized breakdown of cost 
EC in ECU million (at current prices) 
Breakdown 
- Document design 
- Production and 
distribution 
- Support for 
setting up 
networks and for 
distribution 
- Conferences to 
raise awareness 
- Experts' work 
Total Budget 
year 
J999 
0.100 
0.100 
0.450 
0.400 
0.100 
1.150 2000 
0.200 
0.450 
0.400 
0.100 
1.150 2001 
0.300 
0.450 
0.400 
0.100 
1.250 2002 
0.300 
0.450 
0.400 
0.100 
1.250 2003 
0.300 
0.450 
0.400 
0.100 
1.250 2004 and 
subsequent 
years 
0.300 
0.450 
0.400 
0.100 
1.250 Total 
0.100 
1.500 
2.700 
2.400 
0.600 
7.300 
n 
7.3. Operational expenditure on studies, experts, etc. included in part B of 
the budget 
EC in ECU million (at current prices) 
- Studies 
- Experts" meetings 
- Conference and congress 
- Information and 
publications 
Total 1999 
0.050 
0.050 
0.100 
0.050 
0.250 2000 
0.000 
0.050 
0.050 
0.050 
0.150 2001 
0.000 
0.050 
0.050 
0.050 
0.150 2002 
0.000 
0.050 
0.050 
0.050 
0.150 2003 
0.000 
0.050 
0.050 
0.050 
0.150 2004 and 
subsequent 
vears 
0.000 
0.050 
0.050 
0.050 
0.150 Total 
0.050 
0.300 
0.350 
0.300 
1.000 
7.4. Indicative schedule of appropriations 
EC in ECU million (at current prices) 
Commitment 
appropriations 
Payment appropriations 
1999 
2000 
2001 
2002 
2003 
2004 
and subsequent years 
Total 1900 
1.150 
0.900 
0.250 
1.150 2000 
1.150 
0.800 
0.270 
1.150 2001 
1.250 
0.960 
0.290 
1.250 2002 
1.250 
0.960 
0.290 
1.250 2003 
1.250 
0.960 
0.290 
1.250 2004 and 
subsequent 
years 
1.250 
1.250 
1.250 Total 
7.300 
0.900 
1.130 
1.230 
1.250 
1.250 
1.540 
7.300 
ft 
8. FRAUD PREVENTION MEASURES 
A!l contracts, agreements and iegai commitments concluded between the 
Corr.niissiof; ?nd the beneficiaries of payments allow for checks /;/ situ by the 
Commission and the Court of Auditors Moreover, the recipients of aid in respect of 
actions are obliged to submit financial reports and accounts which are analysed both 
from the point of view of contents and from the point of view of eligibility of 
expenditure in accordance with the objective of Community financing and taking 
due accoum of the contractual obligations and efficient financial management. 
9. COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS 
9.1. Specific and quantified objectives; target population 
The aim of the decision is to promote European pathways for work-linked training 
and apprenticeship, referred to as "European pathways", and to provide the 
recipients of these "European pathways" a document or a record of achievement 
known as "EUROPASS". In addition the following objectives are also envisaged: 
1. Establish the general and common principles of quality in respect of the 
implementation of the European pathways for work-linked training and 
apprenticeship (the "European pathways"). 
2. Set up (design, produce and disseminate) a European attestation (known as 
"EUROPASS") for the beneficiaries of such "European pathways". 
3. Set up a system of information and coordination in close conjunction with the 
national authorities and the social partners. 
4. Make the different players involved in work-linked training and 
apprenticeship, aware of the organization of the "European pathways", taking 
care to ensure the widest possible dissemination of the results, particularly as 
regards the "EUROPASS". 
5. Bring about profitable exchanges between the different players involved in 
work-linked training and apprenticeship, on the best way of implementing the 
Community arrangements. 
Experience with action programmes such as Leonardo da Vinci and Socrates would 
suggest that in a full year some 100 000 young people will become involved every 
year in these "European pathways". 
The target population of the action includes on a voluntary basis all young people 
following work-linked training, particularly through apprenticeship, i.e. a type of 
training which, as described in Article 2(a) of the Decision, features "vocational 
training leading to a diploma or a qualification recognized by the competent 
authorities of the Member State concerned and involving structured periods of 
work-linked training in a training establishment including universities and in a 
company as separate and complementary places of training". 
/9 
While direct aid for the mobility of young people undertaking these 
"European pathways" will come from existing Community programmes and 
initiatives (particularly the Leonardo da Vinci programme) as far as resources allow 
and in accordance with the specific procedures of these programmes, this action 
needs to be bolstered by the setting up of a network of mutual information and 
coordination. 
It should be noted however that the general and common principles for the 
"European pathways" for work-linked training and apprenticeship specified by this 
decision does not limit itself, only to the pathways used by those benefiting from 
community aid on mobility in vocational training, this also covers the young mobile 
relevant to the other initiatives notably bilateral examples such as the recent 
agreement between France and Germany. 
9.2. Grounds for the operation 
The actions stemming from the current decision of Parliament and 
the Council resulting notably in the intermediate evaluation of the 
Leonardo da Vinci Programme (COM(97) 399 final) which were produced by the 
Commission based on the reports of all Member States which emphasised the 
necessity for the reinforcement for transnational mobility underlined also that the full 
impact of such mobility on training and work-linked training required the fuller and 
greater integration of the periods of training undertaken in other Member States in 
the initial training period. 
The actions will support the implementation of a policy for vocational training at 
Community level within the meaning of Article 127 of the Treaty. While respecting 
the specific competences of the Member States with regard to the organization of 
vocational training, the Community action intends: 
* to establish a reference framework for certain common and general quality 
principles for the implementation of the "European pathways", and, 
* to enhance the transparency and internal consistency of the actions undertaken 
by and among the players involved in vocational training at all levels by 
introducing a document called "EUROPASS". 
These two lines of action respect the principle of subsidiarity as required by 
the Treaty. 
Actions undertaken - often on a bilateral basis - by the Member States on their own 
initiative, and transnational exchange and placement programmes undertaken as part 
of the Community programmes and initiatives (particularly Strands I and II of 
Leonardo da Vinci) delineate a general framework within which the "European 
pathways" will be implemented at the Community level in accordance with the 
general and common quality principles and for which the "EUROPASS" documents 
will be produced. In other words, the provisions of the decision proposed boost the 
impact of similar actions but do not entail any duplication. 
The introduction of "European pathways" within the quality conditions defined in 
the decision and of the "EUROPASS" will not only strengthen the dimension of 
work-linked training in Community placement and exchange programmes, but will 
c*fe> 
also heip to boosi the developn?ent of work-linked training and apprenticeship ir. the 
Member States by introducing therein a Eurooean dimension 
The opération proposed is in line with the expectations of the Member States and 
follows or. from the declarations of several European Ccincii meetings stressing the 
importance of apprenticeship for employment and of investment in human resources. 
Choice of ways and means 
While the cost of designing the "'EUROPASS" document will be borne 
entirely by the Commission (using a procedure which involves a call for 
tenders), the other actions needed for implementing the decision will be 
covered by subsidies which imply ofiûanzing by the operators concerned. 
This naturally applies to the conferences to launch the venture and raise 
awareness - except for the two Community level conferences which will be 
entirely funded by the Commission. It also concerns support for th'e setting up 
cf a network of information and coordination, the experts' studies and work 
envisaged to accompany the introduction of the arrangement paid for by the 
Commission in full respect of the rules governing contracts for studies and 
work by consultants. 
9.3. Monitoring and evaluation of the operation 
in accordance with Article 7 of the decision, the Commission will ensure the 
monitoring and implementation of the decision and will carry out an evaluation of 
progress achieved. It will therefore take the action needed for this, particularly with 
a view to the evaluation report which has to be submitted. 
Performance and impact indicators 
Several general and specific indicators will be taken into account for assessing 
the implementation of the decision: 
* number of "European pathways" and "EUROPASS" documents issued 
(in absolute and relative value in relation to the number of young people 
undergoing work-linked training and apprenticeship) 
* level of education and training of the recipients 
* sectors covered 
* failure rate of the actions undertaken 
* average duration of the "European pathways" 
* transnational flows of beneficiaries of "European pathways" (by 
Member State and across Member States), etc. 
«3, 
Details and frequency of planned evaluations 
Article 7 of the decision stipulates that a preliminary evaluation report on 
progress will be prepared for the first time three years after the adoption of 
this decision and every three years thereafter. 
10. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE (PART A, SECTION III OF THE 
GENERAL BUDGET) 
This section of the financial statement must he sent to IX}s IXand XIX; IX} IX will 
then forward it to IX i XIX with its opinion. 
Actual assembly of the administrative resources needed will stem from the 
Commission's annual decision on the allocation of resources, taking into account 
inter alia the additional staff and amounts which will have been agreed to by the 
budgetary authority. 
10.1. Impact on the number of staff 
Type of post 
Officials 
or temporary 
agents A 
B 
C 
Other resources 
Total to be allocated to managing 
the operation 
permanent 
posts 
1 
1 
2 temporary 
posts 
-of which 
using 
existing 
resources 
within the 
DG or the 
department 
concerned 
1 
1 
2 using 
additional 
resources duration 
For the additional resources give indicative schedule of requirements. 
à!L 
10.2. Overall financial impact of additional human resources 
(in ECU) 
Amounts Method of calculation 
Officials 
Temporary agents 
Other resources (specify 
budget heading) 
Total 1 
The amounts must express the total cost of additional posts for the total duration of 
the operation if the latter has a fixed time scale, for 12 months if the duration is 
not fixed 
10.3. Increase in other operational expenditure arising from the operation 
(in ECU) 
Budget heading Amounts Method of calculation 
(Number and description) 
A 2500 meetings and 62 550 3 annual meetings of the national 
general conferences experts and social partners 
group, i.e. 30 experts at ECU 
695 = 695x30 experts x3 
meetings = ECU 62 550 
Total 1 62 550 | 
The amounts must correspond to the total expenditure for the operation if it is of 
fixed duration or the expenditure for 12 months if the duration is not fixed. 
J.i 
IMPACT STATEMENT FOR SMEs 
Impact of the proposal on the business environment with particular effect on small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) 
Title of the proposal 
Proposal for a Council Decision on the promotion of European pathways for work-linked 
training, including apprenticeship 
Reference number of the document: XXXX 
The proposal 
1 Taking account of the principle of subsidiarity, why is Community legislation 
necessary in this domain and what are its principal objectives? 
The proposal is presented in the framework of the general guidelines of the 
Commission's White Paper "Teaching and Learning - towards the learning society" 
(COM(95) 590 final) which underlined the necessity of strengthening investment in 
qualifications and competences and the strategic nature of work-linked training in 
this perspective. 
It is also presented in the perspective of the Green Paper "Obstacles to transnational 
mobility of persons in training" (COM(96) 462 final) 
Work which the Commission is taking forward, and notably the 
recent Communication on the development of apprenticeship in Europe 
(COM(97) 300 final) show that there is interest in work-linked training 
(including apprenticeship) as a way of improving the integration of young people 
into working life. 
The proposal aims to promote European pathways for work-linked training 
and apprenticeship. 
The approach proposed by the Commission, without interfering in with the 
responsibilities of Member States, concerns the content and organization of their 
education and training systems and aims to: 
identify and define general and common principles of quality which 
should apply to periods of training undertaken in another Member State 
("European Pathways") which support and enrich the training followed in the 
original Member State, 
ensure that the "European Pathways" form an integral part of the training 
followed in the original Member State and that they meet general and common 
principles of quality and that their completion is recognized in such as way as 
to allow better transparency and greater visibility, 
.av 
organize for the setting up of the these "European Pathways" the required 
coordination and promotion measures at Community level in close 
cooperation with Member States including the social partners at different 
levels whose responsibilities in this area are recognized. 
Its operational content corresponds to the provisions of Article 127 of the Treaty 
and to the powers to act which these confer on the Commission. 
2. Who will be affected bv the proposal? 
The Decision does not include any discriminatory measures for different sectors or 
sizes of enterprises. 
The size of the enterprise not being a criterion, the Decision is as relevant to small 
and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as it is to large companies; but it can be 
assumed that the number of SMEs concerned will be quite high as they have a 
particularly active role in work-linked training and apprenticeship. 
The spread of training activities over a wide range of economic sectors is in fact 
dependent on SMEs, whose role is extremely important in the area of job creation 
and whose involvement is of fundamental importance to the future of 
apprenticeship. In Germany for example, more than half of those undertaking an 
apprenticeship are found in enterprises employing less than 50 persons. 
3. What measures should enterprises take in order to conform to the proposal? 
The proposal foresees that the setting up of this system is based on the close 
cooperation between the original organizations where training takes places and the 
host organizations. Amongst the latter, enterprises and notably SMEs will represent 
a significant proposition. 
The basic precondition is that the "European Pathways" are integrated into the 
training followed by the young beneficiaries - the practicalities of the integration is a 
matter for Member States. This system will be based on a set of defined and 
common criteria. Enterprises should therefore make sure that the general and 
common principles of quality, in terms of the content and objectives as well as the 
practicalities of implementation (notably with regard to pedagogical follow-up and 
evaluation procedures) are respected. 
±t 
4. What economic effects is the proposal likely to have9 
(a) On employment 
Apprenticeship improves employment prospects; unemployment tends to be 
lower than average in young people who have successfully completed an 
apprenticeship. For examfjle, in the Irish apprenticeship system, rates of 
placement of 95 to 100% have been recorded. The importance of work 
experience in an enterprise has been confirmed in the new German Lander. It 
has been shown that directly after the end of training three quarters of 
apprentices who have been trained within an enterprise go into a job whereas 
only 19% were unemployed. 
The promotion of European pathways should allow young people to gain a 
wider range of skills in the context of different working environments at all 
levels. As most enterprises are looking for adaptable workers, transnational 
experience as recognized by the "European Pathways" will present an 
additional enhancement of the young person's experience in this perspective. 
Opportunities for finding work should be significantly strengthened by this. 
(b) On investment and creating new enterprises 
One of the objectives sought is the transformation of enterprises and the 
creation of new enterprises. Apprenticeship has always been a particularly 
effective way of transforming enterprises, notably in the craft industry. Its 
significance should be underlined because the time at which an enterprise is 
transformed is also a time of detailed analysis of their chances of survival. 
With the extension of work-linked training to higher levels of qualification 
together with the recognition of training experience in different social and 
economic contexts, efforts are being made to progress beyond the level of the 
craft industry to include SMEs The training of production engineers by means 
of apprenticeship is being taken forward with this in mind. 
(c) The competitiveness of enterprises 
The competitiveness of enterprises comes as much from the level of 
competence of their workers as from the ways in which their work is 
organized. The discovery of different systems for working and the capacity to 
work in multi-cultural milieu should develop the all-round level of expertise of 
amongst that part of the workforce which has benefited from periods of 
training in enterprises in other Member States 
3.6 
5. Does the.proposal contain any measures which aim Jo take into account the specific 
situation of small and medium-sized enterprises (Special conditions etc...)9 
The proposal does not discriminate according to the size of enterprises and so does 
not contain any specific measures for SMEs. However, as a number of SMEs 
accommodate young people in the context of work-linked training and notably 
apprenticeship, it is appropriate to give particular attention to the case of SMEs in 
the follow-up process in view of the reports planned to examine the effects of 
specific measures. 
Consultation 
6. List of organizations which have been consulted on the proposal and summary of 
their main points of view , 
The Advisory Committee on Vocational Training (ACVT), a statutory tripartite 
body created by a Council Decision, was formally consulted (29 October 1997). 
Apart from this the initiative which is the subject of this proposal was considered by 
the informal group of Directors-General of Vocational Training and that of the 
Directors-General of Employment (20-21 October 1997). 
3a 



ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(98) 342 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 04 16 05 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-349-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-36575-0 
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