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Youth unemployment remains one of the biggest problems of our times. In April, almost 5 million young people were unemployed in Europe, with rates of 49.6% in Spain and 50.1% in Greece. Learning on the job and work-based training are the most valuable requirements to integrate people into the labour force and develop talent. Yet due to gaps in the education system, or to insufficient opportunities, too many youngsters lack the crucial experience that companies need. In 2013, the European Commission launched the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) to promote apprenticeship schemes and initiatives across Europe by bringing together public authorities, businesses, social partners, education providers and youth representatives.
With its pledge, Adecco commits to providing 5,000 young people with an apprenticeship, as defined by the European Alliance for Apprenticeships over the next three years (2015-2017). By combining company-based training with school-based education, the apprenticeship model has been recognized in Europe as one of the most effective schemes to develop employable skills and facilitate youngsters’ transition from education to the labour market.
Adecco will meet the EAfA pledge by contributing its expertise and developing innovative solutions for both partner companies and young employees. Successful examples are already in place in countries like France, where Adecco has developed the most comprehensive offering of ‘Agency Apprenticeship Contracts’ in the country. Belgium has also recently launched a new solution with ‘’The Beginners’ Contract’, offering youngsters an internship at partner companies, followed by a temporary or permanent contract.
The announcement of the pledge was made today in Riga at a meeting of European Union Ministers in charge of Vocational Education and Training, organized under the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in cooperation with the European Commission. Adecco was represented by Mark De Smedt, Adecco Chief Human Resources Officer, who signed the Pledge, and Clemence Lemmonier, recently appointed ‘Adecco France CEO for One Month’. They joined European social partners and Commission representatives, including Marianne Thyssen, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, and Detlef Eckert, Director, DGEMPL.
“Joining the European Alliance for Apprenticeships represents a further confirmation of Adecco’s commitment to tackle youth unemployment”, said Mark De Smedt. “In 2015, within the Adecco Way to WorkTM project, Adecco has already placed over 1,300 youngsters in internships and work based training opportunities. With this pledge, we go a step further and commit on apprenticeships. We strongly believe that concrete solutions to boost economic development and employment are only possible through public-private partnerships and initiatives such as the European Alliance for Apprenticeships. Together we can make a difference”.
EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Marianne Thyssen commented: “With 38 new pledges from companies, social partners and other organisations, the European Alliance for Apprenticeships is today growing both in size and strength. The Alliance offers a win-win solution. For companies, it gives a way to invest in their own productivity. For young people, it provides a stronger supply of quality apprenticeships across Europe. I call upon others to follow the example of the Alliance for Apprenticeship partners: Get involved and help more young people to prepare for their future careers".
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Adecco joins the European Alliance for Apprenticeships – source to be indicated EU2015.LV
Mark De Smedt and Clemence Lemmonier with Commissioner Marianne Thyssen
Adecco Corporate Press Office
Press.office@adecco.com or +41 (0) 44 878 87 87
About the Adecco Group
The Adecco Group, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is the world’s leading provider of HR solutions. With more than 31,000 FTE employees and around 5,100 branches in over 60 countries and territories around the world, Adecco Group offers a wide variety of services, connecting more than 650,000 associates with our clients every day. The services offered fall into the broad categories of temporary staffing, permanent placement, career transition and talent development, as well as outsourcing and consulting. The Adecco Group is a Fortune Global 500 company.
Adecco S.A. is registered in Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN).
About Adecco Way to WorkTM
In 2013 Adecco launched the Adecco Way to WorkTM programme to fight youth unemployment. The global initiative involves Adecco employees in more than 50 countries and aims to address the mismatch of skills and experience that so often prevents young people from entering the workforce. Adecco Way to Work™ makes Adecco’s expertise available to youngsters, providing job seekers with guidance, training, and work experiences including the chance to become Adecco ‘CEO for One Month’ in 34 countries.
Adecco Way to Work™ resources
Website: www.adeccowaytowork.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AdeccoWaytoWork
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AdeccoWayToWork
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