Abstract

The introduction to the monographic section of this issue of “Economia&Lavoroµ focuses on the relevance of work based learning (WBL) for improving effective learning and for developing the operational knowledge that can foster mutual understanding and interpersonal relationships. Accordingly, it presents the five essays of the section, which analyse the most popular WBL tools: apprenticeships and traineeships. The main arguments of each article are resumed with a view to identifying the evolutionary trajectories of the two tools, as well as the opportunities and criticalities emerging from their implementation, and to advancing suggestions on policy measures that might be implemented to strengthen the quality of these forms of learning.