CELEX: 51998PC0342
Language: en
Date: 1998-05-29
Title: Amended proposal for a Council Decision on the promotion of European pathways for work-linked training, including apprenticeship

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
    i!r    -A-
     •A-  TV
                                                    Brussels, 29.05.1998
                                                   COM(1998) 342 final
< i
                                                   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)
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                          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,
 ---pagebreak--- 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).
 ---pagebreak---                  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,                                                THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
    Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in           Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in
    particular Article 127 thereof,                                                   particular Article 127 thereof,
    Having regard to the proposal from the Commission 1,                              Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1,
                                                                                      Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee ,
    Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^,
                                                                                      Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of the
    Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189c of the
                                                                                      Treaty in cooperation with the European Parliament
    Treaty in cooperation with the European Parliament-*,
    1. Whereas the Treaty gives the Community the task of implementing a                 Whereas the Treaty gives the Community the task of implementing a
       vocational training policy to support and supplement the action of                vocational training policy to support and supplement the action of Member
       Member States while fully respecting their responsibility in particular by        States while fully respecting their responsibility in particular by promoting
       promoting the mobility of persons in training, especially young people,           the mobility of persons in training, especially young people, excluding any
       excluding any harmonization of the laws and regulations of the Member             harmonization of the laws and regulations of the Member States;
       States;
>"" 2. Whereas the Council, by Decision 63/266/EEC^, established the general          2. Whereas the Council, by Decision 63/266/EEC , established the general
       principles for implementing a common vocational training policy, notably          principles for implementing a common vocational training policy, notably
                                                                                         by the second principle; whereas by Decision 94/819/EC5, it adopted the
       by the second principle; whereas by Decision 94/819/EC^, it adopted the
                                                                                         Leonardo da Vinci programme for implementing a Community vocational
       Leonardo da Vinci programme for implementing a Community vocational
                                                                                         training policy;
       training policy;
       Whereas the Florence European Council stressed the importance of               3. Whereas the Florence European Council asked the Commission to
       apprenticeship for the creation of jobs, a sentiment echoed by the                examine the relationship between apprenticeship and emplovability and
       Commission in its communication "Promoting apprenticeship in                      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. .1997 (OJ C), common position of the Council of   1997 (OJ C) and Decision of the European Parliament of      1997 (OJ
         C).
         OJ 63, 20.4.1963, p. 1338.
         OJL 340,29.12.1994, p. 8.
 ---pagebreak---       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           Whereas the Council Resolution of 18 December 1979 on work-linked
      training advocated that the Member States should encourage the               training advocated that the Member States should encourage the
      development of effective links between training and work experience;         development of effective'links between training and work experience;
      whereas that commitment is reiterated in the Council Resolution of           whereas that commitment is reiterated in the Council Resolution of
                                                                                                      o
      5 December 1994** on the quality and attractiveness of vocational            5 December 1994 on the quality and attractiveness of vocational
      education and training which stresses the importance of work-linked          education and training which stresses the importance of work-linked
      training and the need to step up periods of vocational training in other     training and the need to step up periods of vocational training in other
*^    Member States and to integrate those periods into national vocational        Member States and to integrate those periods into national vocational
      training programmes;                                                         training programmes;
   5. Whereas the Commission's White Paper "Teaching and learning:                 Whereas the Commission's White Paper "Teaching and learning: towards
      towards the learning society"** stresses the need for cooperation between    the learning society" stresses the need for cooperation between schools
      schools and the business sector;                                             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.
   10  O J L JO, 28.01.1998,1V I
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                     apprenticeship training schemes;
  6. Whereas training establishments and the business sector are                    Whereas training establishments and the business sector are
     complementary forums for the acquisition of general, technical and social      complementary forums for the acquisition of general, technical and social
     knowledge and skills; whereas in this connection, work-linked training,        knowledge and skills; whereas in this connection, work-linked training,
     including apprenticeship, makes a significant contribution to more             including apprenticeship, makes a significant contribution to more
     effective social and occupational integration of young people in jobs and      effective social and occupational integration of young people in jobs and
     on the employment market and can bring benefits to various target              on the employment market and can bring benefits to various target publics
     publics and to various levels of teaching and training, including higher       and to various levels of teaching and training, including higher education
     education where students have a contract of paid employment;                   where students have a contract of paid employment;
     Whereas individual transnational mobility aid for young people in work-        Whereas individual transnational mobility aid for young people in work-
     linked training, including apprenticeship, provided for by Community           linked training, including apprenticeship, provided for by Community
     programmes and initiatives, particularly the Leonardo da Vinci                programmes and initiatives, particularly the Leonardo da Vinci
     programme, should be complemented by specific resources assembled, in         programme, should, bearing in mind the sharp disparities in the
     cooperation with Member States, to implement a system of mutual                development of the various national work-linked training schemes
     information and coordination for the implementation of                         including apprenticeship,, be complemented by specific resources
     "European pathways ";                                                          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               12. Whereas, in order to ensure, in the context of transnational mobility,
     simultaneously for the requirements of individuals, large enterprises and  quality training which can cater simultaneously for the requirements of
     SMEs, and society in general, it is important for work-linked training,    individuals, industry. SMEs, and the craft sector and society in general, it is
     including apprenticeship, to comply with common approaches,                important for work-linked training, including apprenticeship, to comply with
     particularly with regard to teaching, organization and follow-upr and with common procedures within the framework of an established partnership with
 ---pagebreak---       regard to relations between the training establishment and the company;     the host partner, particularly with regard to teaching, organization and co-
      whereas in this connection, where Member States' systems envisage an        ordination, and with regard to relations between the training establishment and
     element of mobility within a period of work-linked training, they should     the company; whereas in this connection, where Member States' systems
      lay down appropriate measures so that those concerned can benefit from a    allow for an element of mobility within a period of work-linked training in
     common system of recognition for the completion of that period of            another Member State of the Community, they should lay down appropriate
      training;                                                                   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;
                                                                                  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:
J    Whereas it is important to ensure the quality of such periods of             15. Whereas it is important to ensure the quality of such periods of
     transnational mobility and Member States have a particular responsibility       transnational mobility and Member States have a particular responsibility
     in this area; whereas, moreover, in view of the Commission's                     in this area; whereas, moreover, in view of the Commission's
     Communication "Incorporating equal opportunities for women and men              Communication "Incorporating equal opportunities for women and men
     into all Community policies and actions"* *, it is important to make sure       into all Community policies and actions" , it is important to make sure
     that due account is taken of equal opportunities in the participation in        that due account is taken of equal opportunities in the participation in
     "European pathways" and appropriate measures must be taken to that              "European pathways" and appropriate measures must be taken to that end;
     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       16. Whereas the Commission, with the support of the competent bodies in the
     Member States, has the task of ensuring overall consistency in the              Member States, has the task of ensuring overall consistency and svnergy in
     implementation of this Decision with Community programmes and                   the implementation of this Decision with Community programmes and
     initiatives in education and vocational training; whereas it is necessary to    initiatives in education and vocational training; whereas the Commission in
  li   COM(96) 67 final.
 ---pagebreak---       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   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    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             the action envisaged for the promotion of the European pathways for work-
      work-linked training, including apprenticeship, cannot be sufficiently          linked training, including apprenticeship, cannot be sufficiently
      implemented by the Member States in so far as such promotion and the            implemented by the Member States in so far as such promotion and the
      setting up of a Community information document require coordinated              setting up of a Community information document require coordinated
      action at Community level on the basis of common content and can                action at Community level on the basis of common content and can
      therefore best be implemented at Community level because of the                 therefore best be implemented at Community level because of the extreme
^     extreme diversity of training systems and structures in the                     diversity of training systems and structures in the Member States; whereas
      Member States; whereas this Decision is limited to the minimum                  this Decision is limited to the minimum requirements to achieve those
     requirements to achieve those objectives and does not go beyond what is          objectives and does not go beyond what is necessary to that end,
     necessary to that end,
  HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:                                                       HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
                                       Article 1                                                                       Article 1
                                      Objectives                                                                      Objectives
  1. This Decision sets out the content and the common principles applying to      1. This Decision sets out the content and the common principles applying to
      the implementation of"European pathways for work-linked training,               the implementation of "European pathways for work-linked training,
      including apprenticeship" ("European pathways").                                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    2. This Decision establishes certification known as "EUROPASS-training" to
     by a person undergoing work-linked training, including apprenticeship, in        attest at Community level to the period or periods of training followed by a
 ---pagebreak---       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                                                                       Article 2
                                      Definitions                                                                     Definitions
   For the purposes of this Decision, and taking account of the differences        For the purposes of this Decision, and taking account of the differences which
   which exist between the systems and provisions for work-linked training,        exist between the systems and provisions for work-linked training, including
   including apprenticeship, in the Member States, the following definitions       apprenticeship, in the Member States, the following definitions shall apply:
   shall apply:
                                                                                   1. "European pathway" means any period of vocational training pursued by
vQ 1. "European pathway" means any period of vocational training pursued              a person in a Member State (host Member State) other than the one
      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
      (Member State of provenance) where the person is following his or her           work-linked training in the context of the said training;
      work-linked training in the context of the said training;
                                                                                   2. "person in work-linked training" means any person of any age in
   2. "person in work-linked training" means any person in vocational                 vocational training, irrespective of level and including higher education,
      training, irrespective of level and including higher education, leading to a    leading to a diploma or a qualification recognized by the competent
      diploma or a qualification recognized by the competent authorities of the       authorities of the Member State concerned, and involving structured
      Member State concerned, and involving structured periods of work-linked         periods of work-linked training in a training establishment and in a
      training in a training establishment and in a company as separate and           company as separate and complementary places of training whatever the
      complementary places of training whatever the person's status as regards        person's status as regards work contract, apprenticeship contract, school or
      work contract, apprenticeship contract, school or student status;               student status;
   3. "teaching mentor" means any person in a company or a training                !* "teaching mentor" means any person in a company or a training
      establishment, who, for the purposes of work-linked training, has the task      establishment, who, for the purposes of work-linked training, has the task
      of assisting, informing, guiding and providing effective monitoring of          of assisting, informing, guiding and providing effective monitoring of
      people in training during their period in the company during the                people in training during their period in the company during the "European
 ---pagebreak---      "European pathway";                                                            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     4. "significant duration" means a duration of work-linked training
     concerned to contribute to the overall, high-quality, training pathway;        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        5. "EUROPASS-training" means a document establishing that the holder
     apprenticeship, in another Member State under the conditions defined in        has completed one or more periods of work-linked training, including
     this Decision;                                                                 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    6. "host partner" is the organization responsible for the "European pathway'
     centre, etc.).                                                                 in the host Member State (enterprise, training establishment or centre,
                                                                                    etc.).
                                      Article 3                                                                       Article 3
                         Content and common principles                                                  Content and common principles
  1. Where Member States provide in their vocational training system for         1. Where Member States allow in their vocational training system for work-
0    work-linked training including an element of mobility in another Member        linked training including an element of mobility in another Member State,
     State, they shall adopt the necessary measures so that those persons in        they shall adopt the necessary measures so that those persons in training in
     training concerned can benefit from "European pathways".                       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.                                 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
  3. A partnership between the organization responsible for the training in the     substitution in the Member State of provenance.
     Member State of provenance and the host partner in the other Member
     State shall define the content, the objectives in terms of competences, the 3. A partnership between the organization responsible for the training in the
     duration as well as the practicalities of monitoring the "European             Member State of provenance and the host partner in the other Member
     pathways".                                                                     State shall define the content, the objectives in terms of competences, the
                                                                                    duration as well as the practicalities of monitoring the "European
  4. The "European pathways" shall be monitored and supervised by a                 pathways".
     teaching mentor in the host partner, account being taken in this regard of
     the capacity of SMEs and crafts to provide such monitoring.                 4. The "European pathways" shall be monitored and supervised by a teaching
 ---pagebreak---                                                                                   mentor in the host partner, account being taken in this regard of the
5. The "European pathways" shall be of significant duration.                      capacity of SMEs and crafts to provide such monitoring.
6. The "European pathways" shall be certified as such by the organization      5. The "European pathways" shall be of significant duration.
   responsible for the training in the Member State of provenance in
    accordance with Article 4.                                                 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                                                                       Article 4
                            "EUROPASS-training"                                                            "EUROPASS-training"
1. A record of achievement, "EUROPASS-training", shall be issued to all        1. A record of achievement, "EUROPASS-training", shall be issued to all
    persons completing a "European pathway". It shall have the form of a          persons completing a "European pathway". It shall have the form of a
    Community information document, the contents and presentation of              Community information document, the contents and presentation of which
    which are described in the Annex.                                             are described in the Annex.
2. EUROPASS-training shall:                                                    2. EUROPASS-training shall:
a) set out precisely the type of vocational training followed within which the a) set out precisely the type of vocational training followed within which the
"European pathway" was completed as well as the final qualification or         "European pathway" was completed as well as the final qualification or
diploma according to the rules and arrangements in force in the Member         diploma according to the rules and arrangements in force in the Member State
State of provenance;                                                           of provenance;
b) specify that the said "European pathway" is an integral part of the         b) specify that the said "European pathway" is an integral part of the training
training undertaken in the Member State of provenance;                         undertaken in the Member State of provenance;
c) show the content of the "European pathway" specifying the skills            c) show the content of the "European pathway" specifying the skills acquired
acquired during the work experience or training;                               during the work experience or training;
d) indicate the duration of the "European pathway" organized by the host       d) indicate the duration of the "European pathway" organized by the host
partner during the work experience or training;                                partner during the work experience or training;
e) identify the host partner;                                                  e) identify the host partner;
f) indicate the qualifications of the teaching mentor;                         f) indicate the qualifications of the teaching mentor;
 ---pagebreak---    g) be issued by the body responsible for the vocational training followed by   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       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.     signed by that Member State, the host partner and by the person concerned.
   3. The provisions concerning "EUROPASS-training" shall also apply when         3. The provisions concerning "EUROPASS-training" shall also apply when
   the "European pathway" includes a series of training periods in several        the "European pathway" includes a series of training periods in several
   Member States.                                                                 Member States.
                                      Article 5                                                                        Article 5
                         Consistency and complementarity                                                  Consistency and complementarity
   The Commission, in compliance with the procedures and resources of the         The Commission, in compliance with the procedures and resources of the
   Community programmes and initiatives in education and vocational training,     Community programmes and initiatives in education and vocational training,
   shall ensure overall consistency between the implementation of this Decision   shall ensure overall consistency and synergy between the implementation of
   and those programmes and initiatives.                                          this Decision and those programmes and initiatives.
                                      Article 6                                                                        Article 6
                       Support and accompanying measures                                                Support and accompanying measures
          The Commission shall be responsible for the production, and                    The Commission shall co-ordinate the measures to supervise and
          appropriate diffusion and monitoring of the "EUROPASS-training" in             evaluste the "European pathways" implemented under the Decision and
**        close cooperation with the Member States. To this end, each Member             shall be responsible for the setting-up , and appropriate diffusion and
          State shall designate a body for coordination and implémention at              monitoring of the "EUROPASS-training" in close cooperation with the
          national level in close cooperation with the social partners as well as        Member States. To this end, each Member State shall designate one or
          representative organizations for work-linked training.                         more bodies for coordination and implémention at national level in
          Each Member State shall make the necessary arrangements and take               close cooperation with the social partners as well as representative
          the necessary measures to:                                                     organizations for work-linked training.
          (a) allow quality control as well as qualitative evaluation of the             Each Member State shall make the necessary arrangements and take the
                 actions implemented,                                                    necessary measures to:
          and                                                                            (a) allow quality control as well as qualitative evaluation of the
          (b) facilitate equal opportunities, in particular by raising the                      actions implemented,
                 awareness of the mentors in that respect.                               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.
 ---pagebreak---     3.    In close cooperation with the Member States, the Commission shall set        In close cooperation with the Member States, the Commission shall set
          up a mutual coordination and information system.                            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                                                                    Article 7
                                      Financing                                                                    Financing
    The resources needed to implement Article 6(1) and (3) shall be covered by  The resources needed to implement Article 6(1) and (3) shall be granted by
    the general budget of the European Union within ils_financial perspective.  the budgetary authority within the annual budgetary procedure and within the
                                                                                financial perspective.
I/O
                                      Article 8                                                                    Article 8
                                    Applicability                                                                Applicability
    This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2000.                              This Decision shall apply from 1 January 2000.
                                      Article 9                                                                    Article 9
                                     Addressees                                                                   Addressees
    This Decision is addressed to the Member States.                            This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
 ---pagebreak---   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)
 ---pagebreak---   (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.
s 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).
 ---pagebreak---                           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 thefieldof 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.
      52    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
 ---pagebreak--- 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)
                                                                          2004 and
                          Budget     2000
      Breakdown                              2001      2002      2003    subsequent    Total
                           year
                           J999                                             years
- Document design        0.100                                                         0.100
-  Production and        0.100      0.200   0.300   0.300      0.300        0.300      1.500
   distribution
- Support for            0.450      0.450   0.450   0.450      0.450        0.450      2.700
   setting up
   networks and for
   distribution
- Conferences to         0.400      0.400   0.400   0.400      0.400        0.400      2.400
   raise awareness
- Experts' work          0.100     0.100    0.100   0.100      0.100        0.100      0.600
Total                    1.150      1.150   1.250    1.250     1.250        1.250      7.300
                                        n
 ---pagebreak--- 7.3.   Operational expenditure on studies, experts, etc. included in part B of
       the budget
                                                            EC in ECU million (at current prices)
                                   1999      2000     2001    2002     2003       2004 and       Total
                                                                                 subsequent
                                                                                    vears
- Studies                       0.050       0.000     0.000 0.000     0.000         0.000       0.050
-   Experts" meetings           0.050       0.050     0.050 0.050     0.050         0.050       0.300
- Conference and congress       0.100       0.050     0.050 0.050     0.050         0.050       0.350
-   Information and             0.050       0.050     0.050 0.050     0.050         0.050       0.300
    publications
Total                            0.250      0.150     0.150 0.150     0.150         0.150       1.000
7.4.    Indicative schedule of appropriations
                                                          EC in ECU million (at current prices)
                             1900       2000     2001       2002    2003        2004 and Total
                                                                                subsequent
                                                                                years
 Commitment                  1.150      1.150     1.250      1.250   1.250         1.250      7.300
 appropriations
 Payment appropriations
  1999                       0.900                                                             0.900
 2000                        0.250      0.800                                                  1.130
 2001                                   0.270     0.960                                        1.230
 2002                                             0.290      0.960                             1.250
 2003                                                        0.290   0.960                     1.250
 2004                                                                0.290         1.250       1.540
 and subsequent years
 Total                        1.150      1.150    1.250      1.250   1.250          1.250      7.300
                                                    ft
 ---pagebreak--- 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
 ---pagebreak---      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>
 ---pagebreak---      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,
 ---pagebreak---             Details andfrequency ofplanned 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       to be allocated to managing of which                    duration
                                   the operation
                          permanent        temporary   using        using
                          posts                  posts existing     additional
                                                       resources    resources
                                                       within the
                                                       DG or the
                                                       department
                                                       concerned
       Officials       A
       or temporary B       1              -            1
       agents          C    1                           1
       Other resources
       Total               2                            2
      For the additional resources give indicative schedule of requirements.
                                                 à!L
 ---pagebreak--- 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
 ---pagebreak---                             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
 ---pagebreak---          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
 ---pagebreak--- 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
 ---pagebreak--- 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
 ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---  ---pagebreak---                                                                    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
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities
L-2985 Luxembourg
                                                  2r