A year in motion: GAN Global’s General Council reflects on progress and what comes next

The 2026 GAN Global General Council, held on May 13th, marked an important moment to reflect on the year since members last convened and to look ahead to the next phase of GAN’s work advancing quality apprenticeships and work-based learning worldwide.

Since the last General Council, GAN Global has focused on strengthening its value proposition to members, advancing practical guidance on implementing quality apprenticeships, and building evidence on the business case and return on investment (ROI) of apprenticeships. Our Annual Report, launched during the 2026 General Council, highlights progress across membership engagement, country networks, partnerships, and projects, alongside a continued emphasis on impact.

Business perspectives on skills and learning systems

A keynote contribution from board member Hanni Rosembaum, Executive Director at Business at OECD (BIAC), one of our founding partners, focused on a strong industry and future facing lens to global education and skills reform. The presentation highlighted why OECD work on education and skills matters for employers, including international assessments (such as PISA, PIAAC and the emerging PISA‑VET), skills strategies for the green and digital transitions, and the importance of vocational education and work‑based learning in building resilient economies. The discussion highlighted a shared priority between GAN and Business at OECD: ensuring that employer perspectives inform policy and that vocational pathways are recognized as high‑value routes into employment, productivity, and growth.

Country Networks: translating global principles into local action

A core strength of GAN lies in its country networks, which often operate as the implementation arms of GAN, and the General Council heard updates from several Networks demonstrating how global principles are adapted to local contexts.

GAN New Zealand shared how it is consolidating its role as a knowledge hub, including the continuation of the Vocational Education and Training Research Forum (NZVETRF), engagement with policymakers, and international collaboration to elevate vocational pathways and employer engagement.

GAN Guatemala presented its work on aligning education and formal employment pathways, including a national study on university labor supply and student perception, collaboration with ministries and international partners, and efforts to strengthen coordination between public and private stakeholders to expand work‑based learning.

GAN Argentina highlighted progress on supporting SMEs to become training companies, including the development of practical self‑assessment tools and guidance materials, with support from the ILO Bureau of Employers’ Activities (ILO ACT/EMP).

GAN Australia shared an update on policy engagement, employer accreditation, and its flagship work on apprenticeship ROI. The presentation reinforced the business case for apprenticeships as a cost‑effective workforce strategy, while also addressing current challenges such as declining commencements and rising youth unemployment.

A year of momentum

The General Council also reflected on the past year under the leadership of GAN’s new Executive Team, marking their first year in role, whose guidance has helped sharpen GAN’s strategic direction for 2026-2030. Discussions reaffirmed a shared ambition: to scale quality apprenticeships as a business solution, a pathway for young people, and a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Read the GAN Global Annual Report 2025–26 to explore the year’s activities and outcomes in more detail.