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The European Parliament has given a second reading to proposals for the introduction of an EU programme of apprenticeships and vocational training. The proposed decision introduces the concept of 'European Pathways' which are defined as periods of vocational training by a person in a Member State other than the one in which the person is normally following their work-linked training.
Pierluigi Castagnetti, MEP (European People's Party, Italy) explained that the intention was to promote European Union-wide mobility and encourage learning from 'best practices'. Susan Waddington (Party of European Socialists, Leicester, U.K.) said it was vital for experience gained in another member state to be properly recognised for those taking part but that careful preparation would be needed especially to cope with any added health and safety risks from young people undertaking work in a new environment. Hugh Kerr (Greens, Essex West and Hertfordshire East, U.K.) underlined the importance of of the scheme in extending the benefits and advantages of education to youngsters from working class backgrounds. The only question was over funding and here he urged the Council of Ministers to accept its responsibilities.
In a related debate on the EU vocational training programme - 'Leonardo' Mrs. Waddington gave a broad welcome to Commission proposals for the second phase (2000-2004). However she wanted the programme to be extended from 2004 to 2006 which would require an increase in the current figure of Ecu 1000m. Mrs, Waddington argued that the current programme was popular but that she had written to the Head of the Commission, President Jacques Santer about its procedures and management which had been criticised. In conclusion she believed that there was an opportunity to create a Europe of life long learning and mobility through the European vocational training programme. The proposals were accepted with amendments relating to the financing of the programmes.
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