Tuscany’s Apprenticeship Model

Tuscany, a region globally renowned for its Renaissance heritage and fine wines, is now positioning itself at the forefront of apprenticeship innovation in Europe. As part of the EU-funded QUEEN project (Quality apprenticeships for evolving labour needs), the Tuscany Interregional Workshop offered a unique platform to showcase how regional ecosystems can drive high-quality, inclusive vocational training through strong public-private partnerships.

Tuscany’s Holistic Vision for Apprenticeships

The region’s apprenticeship ecosystem is built on a tripartite governance model involving educational institutions, employers, and regional authorities. Tuscany’s flagship Charter of Quality in Apprenticeship, developed through a participatory process, anchors this vision with four guiding principles:

• Coherent pedagogical planning
• Collaborative partnerships
• High-quality work-based learning environments
• Transparent skills recognition and validation

This approach ensures that apprenticeships in Tuscany go beyond contracts—they become structured, meaningful, and future-ready learning journeys.

Siena: A Strategic Hub of Excellence

The choice of Siena as the host province was symbolic. It embodies Tuscany’s unique fusion of heritage, innovation, and skills development. The area is home to:

• A leading life sciences cluster, including GSK and the Toscana Life Sciences Foundation
• A thriving wine ecosystem supported by organisations like the Fondazione Siena Food Lab
• The world’s oldest surviving bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, which is pioneering digital and sustainable finance

This convergence of sectors reflects a regional strategy focused on resilience, inclusion, and transition—both digital and ecological.

The QUEEN Network: Driving Policy Innovation Across Borders

Through the QUEEN project, Tuscany is contributing tools, frameworks, and concrete practices to the European dialogue on apprenticeship reform. It is also gaining from peer exchange and mutual learning on critical issues like:

• Pre-apprenticeship schemes
• Cross-border mobility
• Gender equality in technical fields
• Recognition of learning outcomes, such as microcredentials

Tuscany's commitment to capacity building, innovation, and alignment with EU frameworks makes it a leader among regions striving to modernise vocational education.

A Model for Europe

Tuscany offers a compelling model for how regions can nurture knowledge-based, future-ready economies through vocational pathways. Its integrated education and training system, strategic use of apprenticeships, and emphasis on innovation and inclusion make it an ideal laboratory for the QUEEN initiative and beyond.

As the European Union pushes forward on skills agendas and green transitions, Tuscany stands out as a region where tradition meets transformation—and where apprenticeship is more than a path to employment; it’s a cornerstone of sustainable regional development.