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

OBJECTIVE: to promote 'European pathways for work-linked training, including apprenticeship', and to award beneficiaries a document or certificate ('EUROPASS training') to make these periods of training undergone in a Member State other than the Member State of origin more transparent and more visible. SUBSTANCE: the proposal lays down the substance and common principles for the implementation of 'European pathways for work-linked training, including apprenticeship'. Member States are called upon to incorporate in their worked-link training systems which entail spending periods in another Member State measures enabling the persons concerned to take advantage of 'European pathways' which are a full part of the training received in the home State. The proposal also establishes the principle of a certificate issued to any person in European pathway work-linked training which is to take the form of a Community information document. These certificates are called 'EUROPASS-training'. Their form and content are laid down in an annex to the proposal. In particular, they include information about: - the type of training followed, - the qualifications or certificate awarded for it, - the skills acquired, - the duration of the 'pathway', etc. 'Europasses' must clearly state that the pathways travelled are an integral part of the vocational training of the persons concerned in their home State. 'European pathways' are addressed to anybody who wishes to receive vocational trianing in another Member State leading to a certificate or qualification recognised by the competent authorities in the State of origin. Thus they are not reserved for beneficiaries of mobility aid under Community programmes (e.g. Leonardo). As regards implementation, the Commission is to produce, disseminate and monitor 'Europasses' in cooperation with the Member States, at the expense of the Community budget. Member States are to designate a national body to coordinate and implement the proposal at national level, in close cooperation with the two sides of industry and representative work-linked training organisations. They must also take measures to ensure that the action taken is of adequate quality and to evaluate it. Equality of opportunity must be promoted. The 'European pathways' and 'Europasses' will not modify either the organisation or the content of the Member States' training schemes and systems, or the rules or procedures for the award of vocational training diplomas, titles or certificates. The 'pathways' are of a voluntary nature and require the establishment of a structured partnership between the body responsible for training in the home State and the host partner (enterprise, training establishment or centre) in another Member State. �