What GAN Global does

GAN Global (legally GAN Global Apprenticeship Network, previously Global Apprenticeship Network) is a Geneva-headquartered non-profit alliance founded in 2014 by four partners including Business at OECD (BIAC). It mobilizes employers, international organizations, and country networks to advance quality apprenticeships and work-based learning globally, anchored in ILO Recommendation 208. The organization operates through country networks that adapt a shared model to national priorities — currently spanning Türkiye (2015), Australia (2019), New Zealand (2020), Armenia (2023), USA (2024), and additional networks in Argentina, Guatemala, Colombia, and Namibia — and produces a library of guidance publications including the Quality Apprenticeships Implementation and ROI Guide, Principles for Responsible AI and Apprenticeships, Her Path Her Power, and Expanding Apprenticeships in the US.

GAN Global is not a technology product company; its core technical assets are online platforms, knowledge products, and digital tools rather than software-as-a-service offerings. Notable technical artifacts include the ashkert.am apprenticeship matching platform in Armenia, ROI calculators, and the Nexarium AI-enabled mixed-re reality simulator developed in partnership with NaraXR and Borçelik Technical Academy. Revenue is generated through three streams: (1) recurring membership fees from employer and institutional members, (2) grants and foundation funding from donors such as JPMorgan Chase Foundation, the Global Alliance for YOUth, City of Geneva, Microsoft, and the EU Erasmus+ Programme, and (3) multi-year project-based funding from institutional partners including USDOL, Turquality, and the ILO Bureau of Employers' Activities. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; engagement is structured around a membership program with access to peer learning, visibility, and policy platforms including ILO, IOE, OECD, and Business at OECD.

The customer base is composed of large multinational employers (Nestlé, SAP, UBS, L'Oréal, Bühler Group, Accenture, The Adecco Group, dsm-firmenich, Borçelik) whose senior executives also occupy governance roles, plus international organizations (ILO, OECD, IOE, Business at OECD), national governments, and country-level employer confederations. Governance is exercised through a General Council with a Chair (currently Michael Kienle of L'Oréal), Vice-Chair (Irene Mark-Eisenring of Bühler Group), Treasurer (Marc van der Net of Accenture), Secretary (Roberto Suárez Santos of IOE), and Executive Director (Kathryn Rowan). The organization operates as a privately held non-profit under Swiss law, with no parent company, no equity funding rounds, and no publicly disclosed revenue.

Name

GAN Global

Legal name

GAN Global Apprenticeship Network

Website

https://www.gan-global.org/

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Short description

GAN Global is a Geneva-based non-profit alliance founded in 2014 that mobilizes multinational employers, international organizations, and country networks to advance quality apprenticeships and work-based learning globally, anchored in ILO Recommendation 208.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Business Associations (813910), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce, Employability & Youth Skills Partnerships (EDADALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB), STEM, Digital Skills & Innovation Partnerships (EDADALAJ), Global HR, Mobility & Cross-Cultural People Ops Training (EDABAIAL)

Keywords

• Apprenticeship programs
• Workforce development
• Vocational training
• Skills policy
• Employer engagement

Headquarters

HQ city

Cointrin

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: GAN Global generates revenue through membership fees charged to employers and institutions that join the network to access peer learning, policy engagement platforms, and visibility benefits.
2. Grants and Foundation Funding: GAN Global receives grants and project funding from foundations and institutional donors including JPMorgan Chase Foundation and the Global Alliance for YOUth to develop guidance publications, ROI tools, and implement apprenticeship projects.
3. Project-based Funding: GAN Global receives multi-year project funding from organizations such as the City of Geneva, USDOL, EU Erasmus+ Programme, and Turquality Program to implement country-specific apprenticeship initiatives.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

GAN Global is a non-profit business alliance that connects business leaders and policymakers to advance quality apprenticeships worldwide. It operates through a network of country-level chapters (country networks) that adapt global apprenticeship standards to local labor markets, while publishing guidance reports, ROI tools, and policy research to support employer engagement and skills development.

Product overview

GAN Global is a non-profit organizational alliance (not a technology product company) that connects business leaders and policymakers to advance quality apprenticeships worldwide. The organization's offerings consist of publications and guidance documents (including the Quality Apprenticeships Implementation and ROI Guide and Principles for Responsible AI and Apprenticeships), a network of country-specific GAN networks (Australia, Türkiye, New Zealand, USA, Guatemala, Argentina, Armenia), membership programs with policy platform access, and the ashkert.am digital matching platform in Armenia. GAN Global does not offer a unified software product but rather serves as an information resource and alliance coordinator for workforce development.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Knowledge Hub Central online repository of publications, reports, case studies, and best-practice guidance on quality apprenticeships and workforce development for employers, policymakers, and member institutions.
• GAN Country Networks A coordinated set of country-level chapters (Australia, Türkiye, New Zealand, USA, Guatemala, Argentina, Armenia, Colombia) that adapt shared apprenticeship frameworks to national priorities, employer needs, and local labor markets.
• Quality Apprenticeships Implementation and ROI Guide Practical five-phase guide with checklists, global case studies, and an interactive ROI calculator for designing, implementing, and evaluating apprenticeship programs aligned with ILO Recommendation R208.
• Principles for Responsible AI and Apprenticeships One-page practical guide setting out five principles and actionable steps for HR, L&D, and business leaders to integrate AI responsibly into apprenticeship programs.
• Her Path, Her Power: Revolutionizing Women's Careers through Apprenticeship Research report developed with TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship and the India Employer Forum examining how skilling and work-based learning can narrow gender gaps and drive inclusive growth in India.
• Expanding Apprenticeships in the US Research report developed with support from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation exploring employer demand for apprenticeships in the United States and the potential to scale apprenticeship pathways across industries.
• Membership Program Membership program for employers and institutions shaping workforce development, providing access to peer learning, visibility, and engagement with policy platforms including the ILO, IOE, OECD, and Business at OECD.

Quantifiable outcome

• 70% of apprentices in the US stay with their employer after completing their program (source: employer survey)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Partnerships

48 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Four Founding Partners (Nestlé, Business at OECD/IOE, and others)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014GAN Global was launched in 2014 by four founding partners. Nestlé, under CEO Laurent Freixe (Chair 2019-2025), provided founding leadership. Business at OECD (BIAC) represented the employer voice on global skills policy.
• Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAN Global engages with OECD through Business at OECD (BIAC) on education and skills policy, including international assessments (PISA, PIAAC, PISA-VET), skills strategies for green and digital transitions, and vocational education policy.
• Business at OECD (BIAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBusiness at OECD is a founding partner of GAN Global. Board member Hanni Rosembaum from BIAC contributes to General Council discussions on industry perspectives on global education and skills reform.
• International Organisation of Employers (IOE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIOE serves as a policy platform partner for GAN Global. Roberto Suárez Santos, Secretary-General of IOE, serves as Secretary on GAN Global's leadership board.
• Global Alliance for YOUthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Global Alliance for YOUth to showcase the value of apprenticeships for employers and young people. Co-produced the Quality Apprenticeships Implementation and ROI Guide and ROI Calculator with support from Global Alliance for YOUth.
• SAPmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAP co-hosted the 'Skills in Action: AI and the Future of Apprenticeships' milestone event at SAP's HQ in Walldorf, Germany, bringing together board members, private sector leaders, policymakers, students and apprentices. SAP STAR Program apprentices participated in panel discussions.
• NestlécoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNestlé, as a founding partner, hosted the 2025 GAN Global General Council meeting at its headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. CEO Laurent Freixe served as Chair of GAN Global from 2019 to 2025.
• TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship (TLDA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTLDA partnered with GAN Global and India Employer Forum to produce the 'Her Path, Her Power' report on revolutionizing women's careers through apprenticeships in India.
• India Employer Forum (IEF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIEF partnered with GAN Global and TLDA to develop the 'Her Path, Her Power' publication exploring the role of apprenticeships in narrowing gender gaps and driving inclusive growth in India.
• Bühler GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBühler co-hosted the 'Advancing Value-Chain Quality Apprenticeships in South Africa' roundtable with GAN Global and ILO. Bühler has embedded apprenticeships into its global talent strategy. Irene Mark-Eisenring, Chief HR Officer at Bühler, serves as Vice-Chair of GAN Global's leadership board.
• Swiss Embassy (South Africa)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Swiss Embassy in South Africa participated as a development partner in the Johannesburg roundtable on value-chain quality apprenticeships.
• AccenturemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarc van der Net, Gallia Strategy and Consulting Lead at Accenture, serves as Treasurer on GAN Global's leadership board. Accenture is featured in the Quality Apprenticeships Guide as a company demonstrating ROI of apprenticeships.
• L'OréalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichael Kienle, Global VP of Talent Acquisition at L'Oréal, serves as Chair of GAN Global's leadership board. L'Oréal is featured as a member company in the Quality Apprenticeships Guide.
• Miassine FoundationcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMiassine Foundation is the host of GAN Armenia and implementing partner for the City of Geneva-funded apprenticeship projects in Armenia, including the House of Apprentices and the Quality Apprenticeship in the Shirak Region project.
• Adaptive Construction Solutions (ACS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACS is the host organization of GAN USA. Nicholas Morgan, ACS President, is a GAN Global Board Member. Dr. Mardy Leathers, VP at ACS and GAN USA lead, contributes to green and digital skills discussions.
• Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİSK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTİSK is the host of GAN Türkiye (first GAN network globally, launched 2015 during G20 OECD Conference). TİSK signed a protocol with İŞKUR to provide vocational consulting and on-the-job training. GAN Türkiye member companies employ over 100,000 people.
• Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerİŞKUR, the Turkish Employment Agency, signed a protocol with GAN Türkiye to provide job and vocational consulting services and on-the-job training, enabling expansion of apprenticeships among member companies.
• Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAEN is the host organization of GAN Australia (launched 2019). AEN focuses on group training, policy advocacy, employer accreditation, trades, inclusion, and green transition in vocational education.
• Skills Consulting GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkills Consulting Group is the host of GAN New Zealand (launched 2020). They conducted the 'Multiple Pathways to Success' study and host the Vocational Education and Training Research Forum (NZVETRF).
• UBSmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUBS has integrated Swiss apprenticeship framework into its global workforce development strategy. Rebecca Kellogg, Global Head of UBS University, shared insights at GAN events. UBS is featured in the Quality Apprenticeships Guide.
• Embassy of Switzerland in the USsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOlivia Gachoud, Head of Science & Technology Office at the Embassy of Switzerland in the US, delivered a keynote on adapting Swiss apprenticeship models to US industry needs.
• Bühler Southern AfricasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBühler Southern Africa co-hosted the Johannesburg roundtable on value-chain quality apprenticeships with GAN Global and ILO, with CFO and Head of HR Rachael Madziwanyika representing the company.
• Department of Higher Education and Training (South Africa)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSouth African national institution participating in the Johannesburg roundtable on advancing value-chain quality apprenticeships.
• South African Qualifications AuthoritysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAQA participated in the Johannesburg roundtable as a national qualifications authority working on apprenticeships and skills development.
• Borçelik Technical AcademymajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBorçelik Technical Academy is a key implementation partner for GAN Türkiye initiatives including the 'No Job Too Tough for Women' program and the Nexarium mixed reality simulator project, delivering VR-based and simulator-based technical training.
• dsm-firmenichsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partnerdsm-firmenich participated in the Türkiye webinar on ILO Recommendation 208 and is featured as a member company in the Quality Apprenticeships Guide.
• Nestlé TürkiyesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSonia Studer from Nestlé participated in the Türkiye webinar on enhancing quality apprenticeships, sharing best practices aligned with ILO Recommendation 208.
• The Adecco GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Adecco Group is featured as a member company in the Quality Apprenticeships Guide demonstrating ROI of apprenticeships. Their Innovation Foundation contributed insights to the Skills in Action AI event.
• NaraXRsupportingTechnology or IntegrationNaraXR co-created the Nexarium mixed reality forklift and reach truck simulator with Borçelik Technical Academy, combining AI-enabled training with digital twin factory environments for industrial operator training.
• ILO Global Coalition for Social JusticesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGAN Global participated in the ILO Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum, representing member perspectives on quality apprenticeships, employer engagement, and youth employment.
• Borusan PortsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBorusan Port piloted the Nexarium mixed reality forklift and reach truck simulator, achieving a 90% reduction in accidents following implementation.
• GAN New ZealandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountry network hosted by Skills Consulting Group, launched 2020. Focuses on employer engagement in apprenticeships, VET research, and inclusive pathways. Co-organized the Future of Apprentices Conference and hosts the NZVET Research Forum.
• GAN AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountry network hosted by Apprenticeship Employment Network (AEN), launched 2019. Champions quality apprenticeships, developed Quality Apprenticeship Employer Accreditation, Apprenticeship Vacancy Index, and national ROI calculator.
• GAN TürkiyecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst GAN network globally, launched 2015 during G20 OECD Conference in Antalya. Hosted by TİSK. Increased apprenticeships from 6,217 to 27,064 among member companies 2016-2017. Focus on policy advocacy, employer incentives, gender inclusion, green and digital skills.
• GAN ArgentinacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountry network focused on supporting SMEs to become training companies. Developed practical self-assessment tools and guidance materials with support from ILO Bureau of Employers' Activities (ACT/EMP).
• GAN GuatemalacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountry network working on aligning education and formal employment pathways. Launched national study on university labor supply and student perception in collaboration with CACIF Guatemala, Junior Achievement Guatemala, and Mesa de Capital Humano.
• GAN USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountry network hosted by Adaptive Construction Solutions (ACS), launched 2024. Champions quality apprenticeships and work-based learning to address US skills gap. Contributed to ILO Quality Apprenticeships Recommendation adoption in 2023.
• GAN ArmeniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountry network hosted by Miassine Foundation, launched 2025. Focuses on skilling, work-based learning, and lifelong learning with special attention to conflict-affected populations. Launched House of Apprentices and Best Apprentices Ceremony.
• GAN ColombiasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCountry network participating in digital skills situational analysis as part of GAN Global's Skills for Employability project in partnership with Microsoft.
• Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSFUVET participated in the Future of Apprenticeships Conference organizing committee alongside GAN Australia, GAN New Zealand, and GAN Global.
• MovetiasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMovetia participated in the Future of Apprenticeships Conference organizing committee, supporting international collaboration in vocational education and training.
• CACIF Guatemala ( Coordinating Body of Business Associations)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCACIF Guatemala collaborated with GAN Guatemala to develop the Exploratory Study on University Labor Supply, analyzing student expectations and labor market entry.
• Junior Achievement (JA) GuatemalasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJA Guatemala partnered with GAN Guatemala on the national study exploring pathways connecting higher education with formal employment opportunities.
• Mesa de Capital Humano de Guatemala No Se DetienesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMesa de Capital Humano de Guatemala No Se Detiene collaborated with GAN Guatemala on the exploratory study on university labor supply and national efforts to generate economic opportunities for youth.
• UIA (Industrial Union of Argentina)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUIA partnered with GAN Argentina on USDOL-funded project promoting work-based learning and apprenticeships in Argentina.
• RandstadsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRandstad partnered with GAN Argentina on USDOL-funded project activities in Argentina.
• UCCAEP (Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUCCAEP partnered with GAN on the USDOL-funded project in Costa Rica, where advocacy contributed to the passing of the 2019 Dual Vocational Technical and Education and Training Law.
• Create the SpacesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreate the Space partnered with GAN on the USDOL-funded project supporting youth employment and apprenticeships in Latin America.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• WorldSkills International: WorldSkills International is a non-profit that promotes vocational education and skills excellence globally through competitions and advocacy. Like GAN Global, it bridges employers, educators, and policymakers to elevate the status of skills and apprenticeships worldwide.
• National Skills Coalition: National Skills Coalition is a US-based advocacy organization that brings together employers, workers, and policymakers to advance skills training and apprenticeships. It mirrors GAN Global's model of connecting public and private stakeholders to expand work-based learning.
• SkillsFuture Singapore: SkillsFuture Singapore is a national movement to promote lifelong learning and skills development, including apprenticeship pathways. It is directly comparable to GAN Global's country networks (e.g., Australia, New Zealand) in delivering workforce development programs.
• European Training Foundation (ETF): The European Training Foundation supports vocational education and workforce development in EU partner countries, including skills system reforms. It is comparable to GAN Global in operating cross-border apprenticeship and work-based learning initiatives.
• Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (UK): The UK Institute for Apprenticeships sets standards for apprenticeship programs and advises on technical education policy. It is comparable to GAN Global's national network hosts (e.g., AEN in Australia) that operate apprenticeship quality frameworks within a country.

Broad incumbents

• Cedefop (European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training): Cedefop is the EU's reference center for vocational education and training, providing policy analysis, research, and guidance to EU member states. While broader in scope than GAN Global, both organizations influence apprenticeship policy and standards at multi-country levels.
• BusinessEurope: BusinessEurope is the leading European employers' federation representing national business and employer associations on EU policy, including skills and education. It shares GAN Global's employer-voice role in shaping workforce development policy but operates at a broader lobbying level.

Emerging players

• World Economic Forum (Reskilling Revolution): The World Economic Forum's Reskilling Revolution initiative convenes global employers and governments to provide skills training to millions of workers. It is comparable to GAN Global's mission of mobilizing companies and policymakers around workforce development, though operating at a larger scale.
• Junior Achievement Worldwide: Junior Achievement Worldwide prepares young people for employment and entrepreneurship through education programs. It overlaps with GAN Global's youth-employment focus (e.g., Her Path, Her Power report) and is even a partner in GAN Guatemala research initiatives.

Others

• International Labour Organization (ILO): The ILO sets international labor standards, including Recommendation 208 on Quality Apprenticeships which GAN Global helps implement. While it is a GAN Global partner, it is also a peer at the global policy level on apprenticeship frameworks and youth employment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@GANGlobal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gan-global-apprenticeships-network
• Xx.com/GAN4skills
• Facebookfacebook.com/GAN4Skills

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about GAN Global