Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Croatia, the UK, Slovakia & Serbia are reluctant to recruit apprentices due to various factors, incl. internal shortfalls, burdensome or incomplete regulatory frameworks and inadequate awareness of the real benefits of work-based learning (WBL) for companies. Aiming at promoting apprenticeships in SMEs with no/limited previous experience in the field, EP4A project is designed to achieve 2 results:1: Partnerships between businesses, VET providers and intermediary organisations together with public authorities & social partners are built and further strengthened2: Awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships enhanced among target SMEs via attractiveness campaigns.Main outputs:- Analyses of country contexts, SMEs needs and European best practices in the field of apprenticeships- Enhanced professional capacities of intermediary bodies/project partner organisations’ staff to support Partnership building and promote apprenticeships to SMEs via trainings, study visits & peer learning, and elaboration of SMEs Apprenticeship Guides- Partnership building/support workshops, round-tables and meetings- Memoranda of Understanding for Apprenticeship Partnership structures - Apprenticeship Attractiveness Campaigns- Help desk lines and info-days to assist SMEs to engage in apprenticeships- A “Trademark” for SMEs engaging in apprenticeships - An International Conference in Zagreb to promote knowledge transfer, disseminate project work and promote the idea of a Danube Alliance of Apprenticeships.Project impact: SMEs will be able to co-shape WBL-reform trajectories within the Apprenticeship Partnership structures and contribute to the modernisation, attractiveness and better accessibility of apprenticeships; benefit from better awareness and advisory services on apprenticeship programs & be recognised and awarded for recruiting apprentices. Thus, the supply, quality & attractiveness of apprenticeships will be improved in all 4 countries