The project improved the quality and inclusiveness of apprenticeships by strengthening company mentors’ capacity to support apprentices with fewer opportunities in work-based learning contexts. A total of 123 mentors completed entry and exit competence assessments, demonstrating improved skills in needs identification, adaptive mentoring and individualised support. The project equipped mentors with practical skills in inclusive mentoring & learner engagement, aiming to reduce early drop-out and support apprenticeship completion. A core objective included the development of the Inclusive Apprenticeships Training Programme, comprising 12 online modules delivered in four languages (RO, DE, BG, EN), supported by an interactive e-learning platform with registration, progress monitoring and assessment features. The training was piloted in real work-based learning settings to validate relevance, effectiveness and raise awareness among employers & VET stakeholders. Results were measured through 246 competence assessments, 123 feedback questionnaires and 3 case studies. Overall, the project directly supported 240 apprentices, enhanced inclusive practices within enterprises and achieved strong dissemination results, with 9,284 unique
The project was developed based on the partners’ direct experience with VET & apprenticeship systems in RO, BG & AU. In all three contexts, companies increasingly host apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds, including learners with low socio-economic status, rural areas, ethnic minorities, migrants, refugees & per. with disabilities. However, many host companies lack the necessary knowledge, tools & structured approaches to respond effectively to the diverse learning & support needs of these learners. While company mentors play a central role in work-based learning & dual VET systems, mentoring practices are often informal & focused mainly on technical skill development. Limited attention is given to inclusion, communication, learner engagement & individualised support, increasing the risk of early apprenticeship drop-out among learners with fewer opportunities. The project responded to a clearly identified need expressed by employers & VET stakeholders for practical, accessible & transferable training for company mentors. Through transnational cooperation, it aimed to strengthen mentors’ capacities to support inclusive apprenticeships & improve retention across different national VET systems.