The combination of on-job and off-job learning involved in apprenticeships has been a significant theme in employment and training for centuries. Learning through work-based pathways for young people has traditionally been an ‘alternative’ to mainstream routes through school and college / university.  However, significant changes in recent years remain relatively unexplored and under –researched. Drawing on contributions from a range of countries this e-book on Apprenticeships explores some of the challenges that the apprenticeship system faces in the countries represented as their economies and societies evolve, and the measures that are being taken to address these challenges.  The papers address, for example: 1. the dual goal of apprenticeship of providing employment and training for young people as they enter the full-time workforce, and to provide a supply of skilled workers in industry areas. 2. The business benefits of apprenticeships. 3. Retention within apprenticeships and subsequent progression into HE. 4. Equal opportunities and gender segregation