In the framework of the agreement signed between the two institutions, the second virtual meeting of the FUNDAE ILO/Cinterfor 2023-2024 process was held on 28 September to address issues related to vocational training and social dialogue.

On this occasion, the objective of the meeting was to address the implications of the approval of ILO Recommendation 208 on quality apprenticeships and the prospects for its adaptation and use by the countries of the region, with emphasis on the role that social dialogue can and should play in quality apprenticeship programmes and policies.

To address the issue, Gonzalo Graña, ILO/Cinterfor specialist, made a presentation of the process of adoption of the Recommendation and its main contents, as well as the implications and challenges for the region. Graña stressed, among other issues, that "this Recommendation should be read in harmony and articulation with other international labour standards that deal with vocational training issues, especially Convention 142 and Recommendation 195". Also that "the role of social dialogue in governance and at the sectoral level in the implementation of the Recommendation should be considered. In our region, there is a need for a clear regulatory framework that provides security to all actors, especially companies".

Sergio Paixão Pardo, a specialist in International Labour Standards (ILS), then focused on the legal consequences for ILO member states of adopting a new International Labour Recommendation. "To build an ILS is quite a long road, it takes at least two years. In the case of Rec. 208, the way it was drafted was a bit exceptional" because it was affected by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. "As the name suggests, a recommendation serves as an inspiration for the implementation of legislation or the adoption of measures to enable its internal implementation" ... "we are talking about effective integration into domestic law and practice".

This was followed by two comment panels, where tripartite representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean, Spain and FUNDAE, who participated in the process of generating the Recommendation, shared their comments.

Finally, the ILO/Cinterfor thanked all the participants and reaffirmed the commitment to build the agenda for the face-to-face event in November.

First virtual meeting - 11 July