Better conditions for apprenticeships? SMEs put on the brakes: “Too expensive”

Brussels – Improving the quality of apprenticeships? Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will not stand for it if they have to lose out to do so. On the eve of tomorrow’s (23 September) vote by the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) on the so-called directive on traineeships, the trade association SMEunited raises its voice and asks MEPs to bear in mind the increased costs that the new rules would imply for small entrepreneurs. 

The European Commission’s legislative proposal, dated March 2024, aims to enhance the quality of traineeships and ensure uniform remuneration throughout the EU, with the explicit goal of protecting young workers by shielding them from exploitative contractual relationships disguised as internships. But concepts such as fair remuneration or the guarantee of insurance and social security protection do not appeal to small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. 

“While recognising the importance of improving the quality of apprenticeships, SMEunited believes that the proposed directive is counterproductive, particularly for SMEs,” the statement by General Secretary Véronique Willems. She explains: “By adding a series of requirements for companies, which often do not have the necessary administrative capacities, this initiative goes against the simplification that they so badly need.”  

According to the association of SMEs, the proposal is “too ambitious” and problematic in several respects. For example, “it does not clearly distinguish between the legal status of trainees and that of employees,” reads a note from SMEunited. It is a situation that can expose “SMEs to unintended legal uncertainties and liabilities, further discouraging participation in trainee programmes.”

“Companies would be required to provide a written agreement containing elements that risk blurring the line between trainee and employee,” the statement continues. “Traineeship providers would have to undergo training to mentor and supervise trainees, which entails additional direct and indirect costs for SMEs,” it continues. Furthermore, “trainees would be guaranteed access to social protection, which is an additional financial burden.” Too costly is also “the demand to offer reasonable accommodation for trainees with disabilities,” although it is emphasised that this is a “shared goal.” 

SMEunited saves some proposed amendments to the text, “in particular, the request to provide guidance and support to SMEs and the exclusion of apprenticeships and traineeships that are part of curricular studies. However, the note concludes, “it regrets that traineeships as part of active labour market policies remain within the scope of the directive.”