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QUEEN Project Launches in Siena: A Strategic Step Towards Quality Apprenticeships in the AI Era

12/06/2025

On 11–12 June 2025, partners of the new Interreg Europe project QUEEN – Quality Apprenticeships for Evolving Labour Needs gathered in Siena, Italy, for a dynamic two-day kick-off meeting. Hosted at the Santa Chiara Lab of the University of Siena, the event officially launched a four-year cooperation focused on enhancing regional apprenticeship policies in response to Europe’s rapidly transforming labour markets—particularly under the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This project is strategically important for EARLALL, aligning closely with the network’s mission to support future-oriented, inclusive, and quality-driven education and training systems. EARLALL is pleased to announce that three of its members are directly involved:

  • Tuscany Region (Lead Partner)
  • Basque Country
  • South Moravian Region (supported through JCMM – South Moravia Centre for International Mobility)

EARLALL will also lead the project’s communication activities, while actively contributing to the stakeholder dialogue and policy learning processes. Furthermore, the project will be closely followed by EARLALL’s Working Group on Youth Policies, led by Miriana Bucalossi (Tuscany Region), ensuring strong synergies with the network’s broader youth engagement strategies.

Apprenticeships in the Age of AI: A European Conversation

The first day opened with remarks from Miriana Bucalossi, who shared the story of the QUEEN project’s inception in Siena in 2023 and its strong foundation in local policy dialogue. She underlined the value of interregional cooperation in responding to the challenges AI poses to existing governance systems.

A high-level panel discussion brought together leading experts to reflect on how AI is reshaping job profiles, transforming skills needs, and challenging traditional apprenticeship models:

  • Anna Zongollowicz (ITC-ILO) highlighted AI’s potential to enhance the quality of apprenticeships through better alignment with industry needs and more adaptive training methodologies.
  • Konstantinos Pouliakas (CEDEFOP) presented data from the 2024 CEDEFOP AI Skills Survey, revealing significant gaps in workforce preparedness for AI-related transformations.
  • Tamas Varnai (European Commission, DG EMPL) provided an update on the European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) and its 2025 priorities, calling for deeper stakeholder engagement.
  • Claudio Balestri (Fondazione SAIHub) shared innovative regional approaches to digital inclusion and hands-on learning in AI through local-business-academic partnerships.

Tuscany’s Quality Apprenticeship Model in Focus

A dedicated session zoomed in on the Tuscany Region’s apprenticeship governance model, considered a leading example in aligning regional systems with the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA). Highlights included:

  • The Tuscan Charter of Quality Apprenticeships, co-designed with stakeholders, ensuring shared commitments and continuous improvement.
  • A spotlight on the Wine Social Skills Ecosystem, developed with support from CEDEFOP and OECD, applying a skills ecosystem approach to agrifood VET.
  • Presentation of the dual Wine Technician programme, where apprentices split their time equally between school and work, supported by qualified tutors and HR mentors.

Peer Exchange and Policy Learning

An engaging “Elevator Pitch” session gave each region the opportunity to present its apprenticeship-related Policy Instruments—ranging from ESF+-funded dual VET programmes to long-term regional innovation strategies.

EARLALL member regions contributed actively:

  • Basque Country presented its Education System Guidance Plan 2023–2026, focused on inclusive career pathways and skills anticipation.
  • South Moravian Region, with support from JCMM, shared its Long-term Education Plan aligned with Czech national policies for lifelong learning.

The study visit to Mazzei Winery, an industry partner in the Wine Technician programme, offered participants a concrete look at how dual training models are applied in real-world, rural settings—blending tradition, innovation, and youth engagement.

Next Steps: Shared Tools and Regional Consultations

Day two focused on internal coordination and capacity building. Partners explored how to apply EFQEA and ILO Recommendation 208 criteria in their territories and began preparing for regional self-assessments and stakeholder consultations. A Steering Committee meeting addressed project timelines, governance, and communication plans—led by EARLALL.

The QUEEN project will now enter an intense phase of regional benchmarking, policy exchange, and peer learning, with activities feeding into broader EU-level dialogues on apprenticeship quality and inclusion.

About the Project

QUEEN brings together nine partners from across Europe to develop and improve regional policies for high-quality apprenticeships. The project aims to empower youth and adults with quality apprenticeships that adapt to evolving labour markets, fostering inclusive, sustainable career pathways for all.
The outcomes of QUEEN will be shared and discussed within EARLALL’s Working Group on Youth Policies and other thematic groups, offering a platform to scale up good practices and amplify regional voices in the European policy landscape.