This report presents the findings of the employer-led project on the cost-effectiveness of apprenticeship schemes – making the business case for apprenticeships, funded by the European Commission and led by BUSINESSEUROPE. The project aims to explore the business case for apprenticeships by analysing what makes a cost-effective apprenticeship scheme for employers in the ICT, commerce and engineering sectors. It also looks at the broader benefits that apprenticeships bring for enterprises. Bringing together these two aspects, it considers the potential reforms that are needed to make systems more cost-effective to increase employer engagement.

This report provides an overview and analysis of the experiences of Bulgaria; Czech Republic; Estonia; Finland; France; Greece; Hungary; Ireland; Italy; Latvia; Poland; Portugal; Slovakia; Spain; and UK and identifies a set of general recommendations to inspire national reforms that will improve the functioning of apprenticeship systems and increase employer engagement. In providing a unique employer perspective this study supports possible future joint work on apprenticeships by the EU social partners.