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

In adopting the recommendation for second reading by Mr Pierluigi CASTAGNETTI (EPP, I) on work-linked training Parliament welcomed the fact that in its common position the Council had included some of the amendments put forward by Parliament at first reading, as, for example, the evaluation of the measures implemented under the decision and the role of the SMEs. The common position therefore concentrated exclusively on EUROPASS and neglected the European pathways in the proposal. Parliament therefore insisted on the need for EUROPASS to have a certain number of common principles guaranteeing a high degree of quality training and allowing the ultimate objective of the proposal to be attained (promoting mobility). Parliament stressed the importance of information for those seeking training. They should receive proper preparation as regards working conditions and the health and safety risks and procedures in the host undertaking. Each Member State should facilitate access to EUROPASS by disseminating information on the opportunities for training in the other Member States. Parliament also stressed the importance of the Commission's coordinating role in the management of measures and the monitoring of measures undertaken in close cooperation with the Member States and the social partners. It should also promote the implementation of the European pathways through a mutual information system. In some of its amendments Parliament also reiterated the fact that the European pathway should form an integrated part of the continuing training in the Member States of provenance and that it should be of a fixed term, determined by mutual agreement between the body responsible for training in the Member State of provenance and the host partner. Lastly, Parliament rejected the budgetary changes made by the Council and deleted any reference to a financial reference amount in the proposal for a decision. The funds would be allocated by the budget authority during the annual procedure within the limits of the financial perspective. �