Platform: International Partnership Models
What are
International Partnership Models?
International Partnership Models are cooperation approaches that bring together vocational education and training providers, businesses, public authorities and other stakeholders to develop skills, strengthen workforce capacity and promote international mobility. Unlike Erasmus Accreditation, these models are not a single funding programme or accreditation scheme, but collaborative frameworks that support mobility through long-term partnerships and shared strategic objectives.
They encourage organisations to work beyond traditional project-based cooperation by creating sustainable networks that respond to labour market needs, address skills shortages and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and talent across borders.
International
Partnership Models
and shared growth
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Model
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Main focus
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|---|---|
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Talent Partnerships
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Skills development and labour mobility with third countries
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Global Skills Partnerships
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International cooperation for mutually beneficial skills mobility
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Employer-led Partnerships
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Business-driven apprenticeship mobility and workforce development
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Sectoral Cooperation Networks
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European collaboration between VET providers, employers and sector organisations
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Why does it matter?
High-quality apprenticeship mobility depends not only on funding opportunities but also on the strength of the partnerships that support it. International Partnership Models help organisations build long-term cooperation based on shared objectives, mutual trust and a common commitment to skills development.
These approaches create opportunities to respond to emerging labour market needs, strengthen collaboration between education and industry, and develop mobility initiatives that benefit both learners and organisations. By bringing together different stakeholders, they contribute to more sustainable, demand-driven mobility systems that generate long-term value.
Stronger partnerships
Labour market impact
Benefits for learners
Sustainable systems
How does it work?
International Partnership Models are based on collaboration rather than on a single funding mechanism. Depending on the model, partnerships may involve education providers, employers, public authorities, sector organisations or international institutions working together to achieve common objectives.
Although each partnership model has its own governance and objectives, they generally share several common principles:
- Long-term collaboration between multiple stakeholders.
- Mutual benefits for all participating organisations.
- Alignment with labour market and sectoral needs.
- Commitment to quality, inclusion and sustainability.
- Shared responsibility for planning, implementation and continuous improvement.
How can I use it?
These models may be particularly relevant if your organisation:
- Seeks long-term international cooperation beyond project funding.
- Works closely with employers or industry partners.
- Wishes to address sectoral skills shortages through international collaboration.
- Is interested in developing sustainable mobility ecosystems.
- Participates in regional, national or European cooperation networks.
- Wants to explore innovative approaches to apprenticeship mobility and workforce development.
For many organisations, International Partnership Models complement rather than replace Erasmus+. Combining structured mobility programmes with broader cooperation frameworks can strengthen organisational capacity and create more sustainable international partnerships.
Where can I learn more?
Talent Partnerships (European Commission):
Global Skills Partnerships (OECD):
Analysis and policy guidance on Global Skills Partnerships as a model for international skills cooperation.
European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA):
European network promoting high-quality apprenticeships through cooperation between education, employers and public authorities.
Pact for Skills:
European initiative supporting large-scale partnerships for skills development across industrial ecosystems.
