It begins with an overview of apprenticeship systems - the institutional and governance structures as well as the barriers that employers and individuals face to participation. It then looks more specifically at the role that local public actors can play in helping to overcome these barriers, from facilitating access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to using public procurement to incentivise apprenticeship opportunities. Finally, it looks at how apprenticeships can be a tool for social inclusion at the local level, considering the role of social enterprises and how apprenticeships can be used to further the labour market integration of refugees. Apprenticeships can also help to tackle low productivity levels and stimulate quality employment opportunities by ensuring that businesses can access people with the right skills.