Access to Apprenticeship and Skilling Initiatives as a Path for Youth Employment in the US, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Kenya
In 2016, GAN Global was awarded a multi-year, multi-country grant from the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) on “Promoting Apprenticeships as a Path for Youth Employment in Argentina, Costa Rica and Kenya through GAN Networks.” Aside from promoting access to WBL in Latin America and Kenya, the project was also designed for GAN Global to work towards building partnerships in the US to advocate for apprenticeships.
Timeline
2016-2021
Partners & funders
GAN Argentina
Partner
UIA (Industrial Union of Argentina)
Partner
Randstad
Partner
UCCAEP (Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector)
Partner
Create the Space
Partner
USDOL
Donor
The challenge
The USDOL selected the three countries to work with GAN Global based on an elevated risk for youth, in particular vulnerable and marginalized youth who would otherwise be subject to child labor, forced labor, hazardous work tasks and conditions or situations of human trafficking. The project proposed several actions at the national level to promote work-based training and, where possible, apprenticeships as tools to provide youth who are at risk of engaging in hazardous work with a pathway to decent work.
What we did
In Latin America, we developed research on skills for the future, women in underrepresented sectors, industry participation for youth and labor integration in underserved neighborhoods. We also offered technical guidance, training, and support to both public and private partners promoting dual education, apprenticeship, and work-based learning opportunities. These activities contributed to fueling growing interest on the topic in the region, particularly from employers. In Kenya, we supported the creation of a mentorship network for young creatives in the orange sector. While in the US, we hosted several meetings at the city and state-wide levels, shared best practices, testimonials, and toolkits providing industry and company perspectives, and facilitated multi-stakeholder dialogue between domestic and international partners.
Outcomes
Increased private sector participation in Argentina has led to the ongoing work of GAN Argentina whose purpose is to create alliances with companies, organizations, and education and training centers to promote WBL for young people to adapt to changing labor markets. In Costa Rica, awareness-raising campaigns and advocacy contributed to the passing of the 2019 Dual Vocational Technical and Education and Training Law, which is based on the ILO Recommendation on Quality Apprenticeships. In Kenya, we sponsored a skills-building organization highlighting 7 young creative talents detailing their journeys to employment. Our initial activities in the US contributed to the foundations of GAN USA, whose purpose is to advance global standards of quality apprenticeships and our research supported by JP Morgan Chase Foundation.
Evidence & Outputs
Guide/Playbook
Jobs Now - Swiss-Style VET: Voices from companies, governors and CEOs in the US and Switzerland
Video Series
Feedback from Preparing for the Future of Work Conference in Latin America
Every skill I acquired this year was through my apprenticeship at the GAN. I have gained knowledge regarding the framework of youth labor insertion, and I am very interested in the field; this has solidified my career choice. As a team . . . we have worked together toward every step GAN Argentina has taken since its launch and we are very proud of our achievements.
Sofía Marino
Former Trainee, GAN Argentina
When I finished mandatory school at 15 and walked out of those doors for the last time, I thought my love of sports would define my career. At that time, studying wasn’t what I wanted to spend time on. And so, I started an apprentice job in a small Swiss bank… As Chairman of the Swiss American Chamber of Commerce, board member of GAN Global and head of Switzerland’s largest bank, I know the value of apprenticeships to Swiss business.
Sergio Ermotti
CEO, UBS Group
Apprenticeships are essential to shaping the future of work. The rise of AI-driven data center roles in automation, energy optimization, and predictive maintenance, for instance, presents a unique chance to expand U.S. apprenticeship programs. By aligning workforce policies with these emerging demands, we can open pathways into high-growth careers while bolstering America’s competitiveness in advanced technology infrastructure.
Dr. Mardy Leathers
Vice President, Adaptive Construction Solutions
Our unwavering focus remains on developing high-quality apprenticeship programs that connect apprentices to the dignity of work.
Nicholas Morgan
ACS President and GAN Global Board Member
