Empowering Employers to Build Quality Apprenticeships: Case Studies and New Guides on Implementation and ROI

11th March 2026

Providing meaningful work-based learning opportunities has never been more important. As labor markets evolve, emerging technologies reshape job roles, and employers compete for skilled talent, the need for robust and future-ready work-based learning programs continues to rise. Yet for many companies, one question remains: How?

To support employers on this journey, GAN Global, in partnership with the Global Alliance for YOUth, is proud to introduce a new resource package designed to move apprenticeship ambition into action: the Quality Apprenticeships in Action: A Guide for Employers accompanied by a Guide on Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) . Together, these tools provide companies with practical steps, real-world case studies, and data-driven support to design, implement, and scale quality apprenticeship programs that generate value for both learners and businesses.

Why Quality Matters and Why Now

Quality apprenticeships play a decisive role in shaping resilient and inclusive economies. They help employers build talent pipelines, bridge skills gaps, and develop workers equipped for rapid technological advancement. They offer young people a pathway to decent work, and create opportunities for more equitable participation.

Yet, ensuring quality in apprenticeships requires intention, structure, and strategic planning. The new GAN Global guide addresses this need head-on by helping employers move from toward comprehensive and learner-centered programs rooted in global best practices, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Recommendation 208.

What the Guide Offers

The Guide is designed as a step‑by‑step companion for employers at any stage of their apprenticeship journey. It emphasizes practical action and highlights company practices from diverse sectors and regions. Key elements include:

A clear framework rooted in global standards.
Practical steps for planning and implementation.
Real-world employer examples from GAN Global members, such as L’Oreal, Buhler, Nestle, SAP, dsm-firmenich, and the Adecco Group.
Tools to support inclusion and equity.

The Business Case

One of the most common concerns among employers is understanding the true ROI of apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships offer immense value, but that value is often under-measured and not systematically tracked. To address this, GAN Global developed a user-friendly and fully customizable ROI Calculator that allows employers to estimate the benefits of their apprenticeship model. The tool helps:

Assess direct and indirect costs
Estimate productivity gains over time
Visualize long-term cost savings compared to traditional hiring
Build a strong internal business case for investment in apprenticeships

Organizations can tailor assumptions, inputs, and time spans to reflect their unique business context, making it relevant for multinational corporations, medium-sized enterprises, and small businesses alike.

Together, the Guide and ROI Calculator demystify the process of building quality apprenticeships, offering employers both strategic clarity and tangible measurement.

A Message from the GAN Global Executive Director

Quality apprenticeships are a strategic investment, not only in young people, but in the resilience and competitiveness of every business. With this new resource, we are equipping employers with the practical tools they need to design apprenticeships that deliver real value: stronger talent pipelines, more inclusive workplaces, and sustained economic opportunity. We, at GAN Global, also remain committed to helping businesses move from intention to implementation, applying skills development to meaningful impact.

Kathryn Rowan, Executive Director, Global Apprenticeship Network

Who Should Use These Tools?

These resources are designed for:

HR and talent development teams
Corporate sustainability and ESG leaders
Training managers, mentors and supervisors
Employers designing their first apprenticeship program
Companies seeking to sustain, improve, or expand existing programs
Companies eligible for government support on apprenticeship programs
Policymakers supporting work-based learning

Whether your organization is just beginning to explore apprenticeships or looking to scale a mature program, the Guide and ROI Calculator provide a strong foundation for informed decision-making.