New factsheet: Discover the higher-level apprenticeships driving Europe’s skills future

What are higher-level apprenticeships?

HLAs are work-based learning programmes delivered at higher vocational education and training (VET) or tertiary education levels, typically aligned with EQF Levels 5 to 8.

They combine academic study with substantial workplace experience, equipping learners with the specialised skills that are increasingly needed in response to the rapidly changing labour market.

While traditional apprenticeships often focus on craft or technical trades, HLAs offer a path to high-skilled professions through advanced qualifications, strong employer involvement and direct links to sectors where demand for expertise is rising.

Why higher-level apprenticeships matter

Across Europe, the demand for workers with advanced skills is higher than ever.

Technological innovation and the green transition have driven significant growth in highly skilled occupations. At the same time, education and training systems often struggle to keep pace, contributing to persistent skills shortages - particularly in high-tech and knowledge-intensive sectors.

HLAs are an important part of the solution. As highlighted in the factsheet, they benefit learners, employers, vocational education and training (VET) systems, and society as a whole.

By combining advanced learning with real-world experience, HLAs strengthen labour market resilience, drive innovation, and provide attractive, future-proof routes into high-skilled employment.

Approaches to fostering higher-level apprenticeships

As HLAs continue to expand across Europe, countries are adopting different strategies to develop and scale-up HLA delivery.

For example, some HLAs are delivered through universities, while others are offered by VET institutions. The factsheet presents these and other models, to showcase how different systems are adapting to labour market needs.

To support the effective development and upscaling of HLAs, strong employer engagement and partnerships are needed. The factsheet suggests also involving a broad range of tertiary-level education providers, ensuring that HLAs are high quality and equivalent to other academic pathways, and widening access to learners from diverse backgrounds.

The steady expansion of HLAs represents a major opportunity for Europe. As Member States continue to refine and expand their systems, HLAs are set to play an increasingly important role in preparing a workforce equipped for the demands of a rapidly changing world of work.

You can download the factsheet from the 'General publications' section below.