The integration of young people and graduates into the professional system is a crucial question for the future of Mediterranean countries which have to address an increased demographic pressure. The professional training systems, although in the process of modernisation, are not yet in a position to respond fully to the requirements of businesses in terms of qualified labour. Work-study programmes, which are not widespread in Mediterranean countries, offer a considerable opportunity: by associating practical and theoretical skills, its guarantees a maximum of employability.

Building on this assessment, the German, Tunisian and Algerian employers’ confederations decided after some exchange of expertise workshops to concentrate their  collaboration on this key subject – the stake being to improve their knowledge of work-study programme practices and raise awareness among their own companies on the benefits of this method.