QUEEN – Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour needs

We drive EU policy improvements for expanding use of apprenticeships

Project duration

1.5.2025 – 31.7.2029

Funder

Interreg

Total funding

1 899 606 €

QUEEN is driving EU policy improvements by expanding the use of apprenticeships, integrating quality-enhancing measures, and strengthening governance at local and regional levels. Through collaboration between the European partners we define what makes a Quality Apprenticeship. Tracking progress in different regions, highlight success stories that can inspire and guide policymakers and drive change by designing, implementing, and monitoring better apprenticeship policies.

In QUEEN we aim to empower youth and adults with quality apprenticeships that adapt to evolving labour markets, fostering inclusive, sustainable career pathways for all.

Apprenticeships are a powerful bridge between education and employment, providing young people with real job opportunities and helping adults upskill or reskill for today’s evolving job market. But how do we ensure these apprenticeships offer real quality and long-term benefits?

In 2018, the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA) set 14 key criteria to guarantee strong, effective apprenticeship programs. However, putting these criteria into practice isn’t always easy. Different regions have different levels of support, and challenges remain, such as:

• Creating clearer, more flexible quality standards.
• Strengthening collaboration with social and industry partners.
• Encouraging people from all backgrounds and genders to see apprenticeships as a viable career path.

At the same time, apprenticeships must keep up with global trends – like digitalization and sustainable development – to remain relevant in an ever-changing economy.

Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour markets and sustainable career pathways

QUEEN activities will lead to a stronger capacity to implement EFQEA criteria, a positive shift in apprenticeship adoption, and better employment outcomes for individuals across the region.

Turku University of Applied Sciences is a partner in the project and is responsible for the development work done in the Southwest Finland region. The Regional Council of Southwest Finland is an associated partner in the project and the owner of the policy instrument being developed (Southwest Finland Regional Strategy 2040+ and the regional programme). Central to the regional cooperation is the connection of a strong stakeholder network to the development and continuous dialogue regarding the policy instrument, through which the desired change can be achieved.