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 "EUROPASS Training" document, to make these periods of training in a Member State other than the Member State of origin more visible. COMMUNITY MEASURE: Council decision 1999/51/EC seeking to promote "European pathways for work-linked training, including apprenticeship". CONTENT: the decision lays down the content and common principles for the implementation of "EUROPASS Training" certificates, the purpose of which is to document at Community level the period or periods of work-linked training, including apprenticeship, followed by a person in a Member State other than that in which training took place, i.e. his "European pathway". The form and content of the "EUROPASS" are laid down in an Annex to the decision. In particular, they include information about: - the name of the beneficiary and the mentor; - the type of training followed; - the qualifications or certificate awarded; - the skills acquired (especially the work or training experience followed during the pathway); - the duration of the pathway etc. European pathways are an integral part of the training followed in the Member State of origin. The body responsible for organising training in the Member State of origin and the host partner will agree jointly on the content, objectives, length and procedure for the European pathway. The pathway will be supervised by a mentor. Use of the "EUROPASS" and participation in a European pathway will be voluntary and will not confer any additional rights or obligations other than those defined in the decision. The "European pathway" is addressed to anybody, irrespective of age, who wishes to receive vocational training (at any level) in another Member State. This training, which is recognised or certified by the competent authorities in the Member State of origin, will include structured periods of training in an enterprise, training establishment or training centre, independent of the status of the beneficiary (under a contract of employment, apprenticeship contract, student contract etc.). As regards implementation, the Commission will produce, disseminate and monitor the "EUROPASS" in close cooperation with the Member States. Member States must designate a national body to coordinate and implement European pathways at national level, in close cooperation with the two sides of industry and representative work-linked training organisations. They must also take measures to facilitate access to "EUROPASS Training" by disseminating the necessary information, evaluating the actions implemented and guaranteeing equality of opportunity in the implementation of the initiative. A financial reference amount will be provided to cover the Community actions to be undertaken (monitoring by the Commission etc.). This is limited to EUR 7.3 million for the period from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004. Provision is made for the Commission to present a report on the implementation of the decision to Parliament and the Council within 3 years of the entry into force of the decision, evaluating its impact on mobility and proposing any corrective measures needed, including budgetary proposals. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 01.01.2000.�