Details
- Publication date
- 31 December 2021
- Author
- European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Level of education focus
- Vocational education and training (VET)
- Thematic areas covered
- Education-to-work transitions, education and labour market
- Educational effectiveness and efficiency
- Investment in education, economic impact of education
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp recession in the EU, significantly disrupting apprenticeship markets. Dual apprenticeship systems, especially in Germany and Austria, saw a notable decline in new apprenticeship contracts due to reduced firm demand and training challenges.
Social distancing and lockdowns hindered workplace training, while vocational schools transitioned to online education—often with inadequate infrastructure support. Despite economic uncertainty, many firms continued to retain apprentices, though bleak business expectations and sector-specific shutdowns hindered retention and recruitment. Matching problems between firms and applicants increased, as traditional recruitment events were cancelled.
Countries responded with various support measures, such as subsidies and increased training centre capacity, but effectiveness remains unclear. Overall, the pandemic highlighted the sensitivity of apprenticeship systems to economic cycles and the need for robust policy support during crises.
Author
Samuel Mühlemann
Cite as
Muehlemann, S. (2021). ‘The impact of COVID-19 on apprenticeship markets’, EENEE Ad hoc report no. 01/2021.
