Technical Assistance: Helpdesk explained Jan Aulehle, Contract Manager, Ecorys UK
What is it? New service for all Member States Strategic, operational and policy advice on setting up, running, improving or evaluating apprenticeship and traineeship schemes/programmes Started in February 2013 and will run until December 2014 Who is it for? Policy makers at national, regional and local level in the areas of youth employment, education and training policies ESF Managing Authorities Relevant national and regional agencies Social partners
What does it offer? Tailored consultancy from specialist policy experts Advice available in 6 languages: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT, PL Regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Knowledge bank of relevant information How does it work? Contact the Helpdesk via a website form, email or phone You will receive an initial response from the Helpdesk Team within 3 working days Your enquiry will be matched with a relevant expert More complex enquiries may receive support over a longer period
Who is providing the service? Run by Helpdesk staff (Coordinator & Assistants) Expertise provided by a pool of Policy Experts on apprenticeship and traineeship schemes High Level Experts cover a wide range of specialist areas Helpdesk staff matches the enquiries with the most suitable expert depending on: o the complexity of the request o area of expertise o country-specific knowledge o language skills
What types of service does is provide?
What expertise is covered? Definition of schemes Types of schemes EU policies and initiatives Standards and Quality Assurance Legal/Regulatory Frameworks & Governance Setting up a scheme Financing a scheme Good practice in running schemes (lessons learnt) Assessment and certification Monitoring and evaluation ESF key information Geographic mobility Country overviews
Helpdesk Enquiries Examples Are they relevant? Enquiries relevant to the Helpdesk service Request for support to prepare for the new programming period 2014-2020 Recent reforms relevant to apprenticeship and traineeship schemes in various Member States Information about different company-based apprenticeship schemes in various Member States Enquiries not relevant to the Helpdesk service Personal support to individuals looking for work opportunities or funding to undertake a placement abroad Support to organisations working with students who wish to undertake a placement abroad
Helpdesk Enquiries Examples Less complex questions What is the difference(s) between apprenticeships and traineeships? What are the benefits of apprenticeship and/or traineeship schemes? Do apprenticeship & traineeship schemes lead to qualifications? How long do apprenticeships and traineeships last? What are the most important stages in setting up a scheme?
Helpdesk Enquiries Examples More complex questions How can a private company go about setting up or getting involved in an apprenticeship or traineeship scheme? Where does the funding to support an apprenticeship or traineeship come from? Is there a need for indicators and monitoring in schemes? If so why and what good practice examples exist? What are the key factors underpinning successful schemes? Can we get assistance with setting up new / improving an exisiting traineeship scheme?
How to contact the Helpdesk? Online by filling in a brief Enquiry Form, available in EN, FR, DE, ES, IT or PL go to http://ec.europa.eu/social/youthtraining By email to youthtrainingdesk@uk.ecorys.com By phone on +44 (0) 121 212 8933 on Tuesday and Thursday, 14.00-18.00 CET (Central European Time) This support is financed by ESF technical assistance, European Commission, DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion and run by Ecorys in partnership with IES and IRS
LinkedIn Group A space for those planning or implementing apprenticeship or traineeship schemes to connect with each other. Engage in online discussions with fellow experts throughout Europe, and share your work and activities with others.
Group features The platform allows you to: Start or join discussions Share and discuss resources Share forthcoming activities Get in contact with other members in the European network and be found by group members
Joining the Group Go to http://bit.ly/esfnetwork and click Join Group Begin by introducing yourself or post a question to the group Visit our Info Point in the Market Place area to find out more!