Set to take place on 4-5 June, the event will represent a platform for EAfA members to meet local and regional authorities, educational leaders and businesses to explore practical approaches and policy insights that are shaping the future of apprenticeships. The event will also be the opportunity to welcome new EAfA members who will contribute to further enriching EAfA and achieving the Union of Skills' objectives.

A milestone in the making: Rome's commitment to apprenticeships

This event highlights the Rome's enduring commitment to advancing quality apprenticeships, while reinforcing the city's role in modernising vocational education across the region.

As an active and engaged member of EAfA since 2017 and a co-leading organisation of the Community of Cities and Regions, Rome has steadily been working to expand its apprenticeship ecosystem and align local initiatives with broader European priorities.

What to expect

On 4 June, the event will open at Palazzo Valentini in Central Rome. The evening will begin with a press conference in the Sala Consiliare, where representatives of the European Commission, Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, the Metropolitan City of Rome and partner organisations will introduce the EAfA event.

The event will also present the Junior Achievement (JA) Entrepreneurs Champions initiative organised by JA Italia - a major international non-profit focussed on inspiring and motivating young people to achieve their full potential. The JA Championship will showcase young people's business initiatives, aiming to further foster, encourage and showcase entrepreneurial skills.

On 5 June, guests will gather at Roma Tre University for a session with contributions from DG Employment, local authorities and partner organisations. There will also be two engaging panel discussions exploring metropolitan governance for apprenticeships and the integration of entrepreneurial competences in higher VET.

During these sessions, participants will:

• discover how cities design and sustain local apprenticeship ecosystems, engage employers and better align education with labour market needs
• gain insights into how entrepreneurial skills can be embedded in higher VET and dual learning pathways across Europe.

The event will close with an EAfA pledge signing ceremony, welcoming new members to the Alliance.

Please note that places for this event are very limited, so priority may be given to Community members who have actively engaged with EAfA activities over time. The selected participants will be informed. Do not make any travel arrangements before receiving a final confirmation.

Register here by 18 May.

Interested in joining an EAfA Community? If you're already an EAfA member, simply email us at EAfAmembersecorys [dot] com (EAfAmembers[at]ecorys[dot]com) indicating which Community(ies) you'd like to be a part of. We will then pass your interest on to the relevant Community Leads so they can follow up with you.

Details