Few changes have been so abruptly disruptive to apprenticeships worldwide as the global COVID outbreak from early 2020 onwards. Because apprenticeships involve experience in workplaces (normally via employment), as well as participation in education systems, the effects were especially serious. There was extra urgency to policy responses because apprenticeships are disproportionately, and in some countries, exclusively, undertaken by young people. There were no worldwide ‘answers’ as to what to do, as apprenticeship systems vary greatly among countries. The paper examines the development of apprenticeship-related measures in several countries worldwide, with a particular focus on Australia and England. The paper uses statistical data, government announcements, guidance from stakeholders and officials, and also a systematic analysis of presentations by leading country experts at an online international apprenticeship conference in May 2021. Reflecting on common concerns on apprenticeship system, the paper critiques and analyses the effects and potential effects of COVID and post-COVID measures on apprenticeship systems. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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