QUEEN Project Kicks Off in Siena
The QUEEN project will officially launch on 11–12 June 2025 in Siena, Italy, marking the beginning of a collaborative journey to enhance the quality and impact of apprenticeships across Europe. Held at the forward-thinking Santa Chiara Lab, this two-day event brings together regional authorities, education and training providers, and international stakeholders to address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the future of work.
The Kick-Off Meeting will open with a high-level session on a topic of growing relevance: how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping labour markets, skills needs, and apprenticeship systems. With keynote contributions from Anna Zongollowicz (ITC-ILO), Konstantinos Pouliakas (CEDEFOP), and Tamas Varnai (European Commission DG EMPL), the session will explore the opportunities and risks of AI from the perspective of quality and inclusion in apprenticeships.
The event also draws inspiration from key policy frameworks, such as the European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships (EFQEA) and the ILO Recommendation No. 208, both of which will serve as references throughout the project. These standards offer valuable benchmarks for assessing and enhancing regional practices.
The event also offers hands-on learning opportunities. A study visit to Mazzei Winery, a flagship participant in Tuscany’s dual apprenticeship scheme, will demonstrate how quality apprenticeships are being embedded in local innovation ecosystems, particularly in the agri-food sector. Social and networking moments, including a walking tour of Siena and a group dinner, will provide additional space for reflection and exchange.
On the second day, the spotlight turns to collaboration and planning. Partners will participate in a workshop assessing territorial readiness to meet EFQEA and ILO 208 benchmarks, followed by a Steering Group meeting to coordinate upcoming project activities, led by ASEV and project partner Resolvo. EARLALL will also present the project's communication strategy and tools to help maximise impact.
The QUEEN project is more than a policy discussion—it is a practical step forward in creating regional ecosystems where apprenticeships thrive and individuals are equipped to navigate a changing world of work. The Kick-Off Meeting in Siena will lay the groundwork for this shared European effort, where quality is not just an ambition, but a concrete and measurable goal.