Project results
Inquiry into Apprentices’ journey through institutional and structural challenges for mobility in the building sector.
This report presents the findings of a transnational research effort to map out the obstacles that prevent learners from accessing meaningful cross-border training opportunities in the building sector in Europe.
By analysing legal frameworks, administrative procedures, labour market conditions, and the experiences of VET providers, companies, and apprentices through national case studies and interviews, this inquiry provides the evidence base for the design of the European Action Plan for Apprenticeship Mobility and the development of targeted tools and policy recommendations.
The report also offers valuable insights for policy makers, training providers and companies committed to fostering a more mobile and future-ready workforce in the building sector.
Available from April 2026
Action Plan to foster Apprenticeship Mobility in the Building Sector in Europe
This Action Plan is designed to guide stakeholders in enhancing and expanding cross-border apprenticeship mobility in the building sector across Europe.
Based on the findings of the project’s initial research report, the Action Plan to foster Apprenticeship Mobility in the Building Sector in Europe proposes a concrete roadmap for
- Mobilise local and regional authorities to play a catalytic role in promoting apprenticeships within the local business environment.
- Incentivize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to provide a stable supply of quality apprenticeships.
- Strengthen social dialogue by involving national social partner organisations to enhance communication and collaboration about apprenticeships in the building sector to address challenges together.
- Address cross-cutting issues such as equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that apprenticeship opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of background or identity.
The Action Plan is not only a strategic document, but also a practical tool supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), engaging local authorities, strengthening social dialogue, and representing apprentices and policymakers who aim to foster more inclusive, coordinated and future-oriented apprenticeship mobility in the building sector, in line with key policy developments and EU initiatives.
Available from August 2026
This digital platform has been designed to become a reference point for managing apprenticeship mobility flows and information exchange in the building sector across Europe.
Available in all partner languages, the platform provides an interactive environment connecting VET providers, companies, apprentices, and institutional stakeholders across Europe. It facilitates the planning, coordination, and quality assurance of mobility experiences, while also promoting networking, collaboration, and skills development.
The platform integrates four core spaces:
- A Partnership and Networking Lounge to connect hosting, sending organisations and stakeholders and facilitate networks and/or partnership buildings.
- A Capacity Building Space with online training, resources and tools to strengthen institutional readiness and cultural sensitivity for apprentices moving across borders
- An Apprenticeship Mobility Management Tool to support manage apprenticeship mobility flows across the three main stages of mobility: initiation, implementation, and integration.
- An Accreditation, Validation and Recognition Centre to support transparency, trust, and mutual recognition in cross-border apprenticeship mobility.
Available from August 2026
As part of its mission to strengthen the capacity of key actors in the construction sector, MOBUILDING has developed an innovative Training Programme on Effective Management of Apprenticeship Mobility for the Building Sector aimed at VET providers and companies — particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) — involved in international apprenticeship mobility.
This comprehensive programme equips professionals with the knowledge, tools and confidence to plan, implement and support high-quality mobility experiences across Europe. It is structured into seven thematic blocks, each addressing a core aspect of mobility management in the building sector:
- Building partnerships, consortia and networks to establish strong cross-border cooperation.
- Initiation, focusing on the preparation phase of mobility experiences.
- Implementation, covering the day-to-day management and support of apprentices during their placement.
- Integration, aimed at ensuring the long-term impact and value of the mobility experience.
- Aligning mobility with the digital and green transition, linking training with the evolving needs of the sector.
- Supporting equity and inclusion, to ensure all apprentices have access to meaningful opportunities.
- Assuring quality and evaluation, providing strategies for continuous improvement and accountability.
This training is fully online, flexible, and available in all partner languages. It is integrated within the Capacity Building Space of the European Platform for Apprenticeship Mobility in Building, offering seamless access to learning for institutions and companies across Europe.
Available from August 2026
To support consistent, transparent and high-quality mobility experiences across Europe, MOBUILDING has developed a comprehensive Quality Assurance Protocol for Apprenticeship Mobility. This practical tool is designed for VET providers and companies engaged in cross-border apprenticeship programmes within the building sector.
The protocol provides a structured quality framework that guides institutions through each stage of the mobility process — from partnership building to evaluation and recognition. It ensures that all actors involved in mobility apply shared standards and practices, enhancing the effectiveness, trust and impact of mobility schemes.
Grounded in the principles of EQAVET and the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships, the protocol also incorporates quality assurance under a broader Management System for Apprenticeship Mobility aligned with the ISO 21001 standard for educational organisations.
Available from February 2027
This toolbox offers a curated collection of methods, strategies, and evidence-based recommendations to address the specific challenges of Apprenticeship Mobility in the Building Sector in Europe. It draws on insights and lessons learned from the MOBUILDING testing programme and integrates results from fieldwork, evaluation activities, and practical experiences.
Far from being a static guide, the Policy Toolbox is intended as a flexible and dynamic decision-support tool. It helps users identify and adapt the most appropriate solutions to their regional or national context — from changes within training centres, mentorship programs, and curriculum design, advocating for aspects like policy changes, funding support, and awareness campaigns.
Available from November 2027