Work-linked training, apprenticeship: European pathways, EUROPASS-training formal recognition

The Committee adopted the report by Pierluigi CASTAGNETTI (EPP,I) on the promotion of work-linked training and apprenticeship in another Member State ("European Pathways"). The Committee emphasized that this action is a part of the overall framework of EU programmes which help young people to integrate into the labour market. It stressed that the training period should not be less than three months in total in order to avoid "apprenticeship tourism".The Committee called for active cooperation between the Commission, Member States, social partners and related organizations in order to create a mutual information system, given the disparities between the various national schemes. The Commission should monitor and evaluate the actions in conjunction with the Member States and the social partners and should submit a report on the programme within three years of its entry into force. Community funding should represent at least 50% of the costs of the programme. �