Reference Year 2016
1Target group
Apprenticeship training is targeted at:
- people who have completed or have not completed basic and upper secondary education, but who do not have any professional skills;
- younger people who prefer practical training to school-based studies, often identified as students with low academic levels;
- unemployed people;
- already working employees that do not have a required qualification.
There is no age limit for pursuing apprenticeship training. In 2013/14, there were about 583 students in WBL; most of the students (about 71%) were older than 25 years, while 24% were aged 20-24. The share of WBL students aged above 25 has been growing from 55% in 2009/10 to 71% in 2013/2014[1].
[1] Due to the formal VET recognition in Estonia (CVET is recognised as formal VET), data covers apprenticeships in both IVET and CVET. https://cumulus.cedefop.europa.eu/files/vetelib/2015/ReferNet_EE_2014_WBL.pdf
2Overview of the scheme
The apprenticeship scheme is not included separately in the ISCED 2011 mapping, but apprenticeship training can be pursued in the following programmes:
- vocational education for persons who do not have basic education and who have exceeded the age of compulsory school attendance – prog. 02.03 , ISCED-P 2011 level 251/253 (2C);
- vocational courses based on basic education – prog. 03.03, ISCED-P 2011 level 351/353 (3C);
- vocational secondary education – prog. 03.04, ISCED-P 2011 level 354 (3B);
- vocational education based on secondary education – prog. 04.02, ISCED-P 2011 level 454 (4B);
- specialised vocational training (EQF level 5, established during the 2013/2014 academic year, not previously available, ISCED-P 2011 level 454).
Apprentices can study at all levels and in all programmes in the Estonian VET system. The only exception is level 351/353 (3C) programmes, where the apprentices can enter directly, while the other students have to enter the level 354 (3B) programme first and show that they have difficulties with the general education part of the curriculum.
The scheme was formally introduced in 2006 (see Q5).
The workplace-based learning was legalised as a new study form in addition to the school-based study form.
Estonia finances the apprenticeship training from state budget (around 600 study places per year) and from EU structural funds (benchmark for year 2020 – 8000 study places[1]). The financing principles and legal basis from both financing sources are the same. The Ministry of Education and Research orders study places in both financing schemes. EU structural funds aim at expanding apprenticeship training. After 2020, apprenticeship training is planned to be funded solely through state funds.
However, there may also be other arrangements to fund an apprenticeship programme depending on the agreement between the vocational education institution and the enterprise. If the training of the students is in the interest of the employer, the company may take on the entire financial burden related to the company-based training, whereas if the apprentice is sent to the company by the school, the school pays the salary for the supervisor in the enterprise.
The state finances VET schools and in turn they offer training for company trainers and pay up to 50% of the cost of the study place to the in-company trainer.
In school year 2015/2016, there were 593 learners in apprenticeship training in IVET[1] (678 total).[2]
According to the Estonian education information system, there were already 927 apprentices in May 2016. The number of apprentices is growing every month by around 70 learners.
[2] Officials indicated that according to the Estonian education information system, there were already 927 apprentices in May 2016. The number of apprentices is growing every month by around 70 learners. However, as the Estonian education information system is was not accessible, the latest data provided is from the sources that were accessible to researchers for verification.
In school year 2015/2016, there were 24 397 learners in IVET[1].
The total number of 593 apprentices in 2015/2016 represents around 2.4% of the total number of learners in upper secondary VET.
In school year 2015/2016, there were:
- 36 481 learners in general education (aged 15-24)[1];
- 27 106 learners in higher education (aged 20-24 and less than 20)[2];
- 24 397 learners in IVET[3].
The total number of 593 apprentices in 2015/2016 represents around 0.7% of the total 87 984 number of learners in all programmes of the same group.
VET qualifications awarded:
- Vocational Education Institution Leaving Certificate (for levels 2 to 5 of EQF/NQF);
- Vocational Education Institution Leaving Certificate for acquiring vocational education based on basic education;
- Vocational Education Institution Leaving Certificate for acquiring vocational secondary education;
- Certificate of Vocational Secondary Education Based on Secondary Education.
3Qualifications
In the curricula the expected learning outcomes are defined for levels 2-5 of Estonian Qualification Framework (equal to European Qualification Framework levels 2-5).
There are no separate curricula for WLB – it takes place on the basis of VET curricula that are prepared on the basis of professional standards where the competences for professions are described. The same VET qualifications can be achieved through school-based VET.
ISCED 2011 mapping scheme indicates that prog. 03.04 “Vocational secondary education” and prog. 04.02 “Vocational education based on secondary education” provide direct access to ISCED level 6 education.
Prog. 02.03 “Vocational education for persons who do not have basic education and who have exceeded the age of compulsory school attendance” and prog. 03.03 “Vocational courses based on basic education” do not provide direct access to higher educational level.
4Duration
The duration of the studies depends on the particular ISCED level and specific programme (as well as on the student’s curriculum), and can vary between 3 months and 2.5 years.
Study volume in credit points (1 year – 60 credits) by EQF levels:
Level 2: 15-120 (3 months – 2 years).
Level 3: 15-120 (3 months – 2 years).
Level 4: Basic training – 15-150 (3 months – 2 years) (180 credits (2,5 years) for secondary VET programmes), Advanced training (based on secondary education): 15-60 (3 months – 1 year).
Level 5: Basic training – 120-150 (1-1,5 years), Advanced training: 15-60 (3 months – 1 year).
The length of stay depends on the different curricula. At least two-thirds of the curricula (at any level) must be held in company.
5Alternation of work-based (in-company) training and school-based training
As per Article 1 of the Policies and Conditions for Implementing Workplace Based Learning, WBL is a VET form in which the work practice in a company represents at least two-thirds of the curriculum.
Flexible arrangements are in place for apprenticeships. Most popular arrangements are 1-2 days in school and 3-4 days in company, or 1 week in school and 3-4 weeks in company. Also, all training can be held in one big company – in this case, VET school teachers are also teaching the theoretical part in company. Training may also start in school for 2-4 weeks before the start of alternation. It all depends on the agreement about the arrangement between the company and school, and curricula or job requirements.
6Formal relationship with the employer
The relationship between the VET institution, the pupil or his/her legal representative and the company that conducts the work practice is regulated by a contract signed by all three parties before commencement of the work practice, setting out the specific organisation of WBL and the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract.
If the apprentice is a minor, his/her legal representative signs the contract.
The apprentices retain their status as students, unless the apprentice signs a work contract with the company (which is then covered by the Labour Code).
The apprenticeship contract is only partly covered by the Labour Code (in terms of regulating the working time).
The contract is registered at the VET school.
Apprenticeship training participants are entitled to all the customary rights of vocational school students but also wages are paid to the apprentice.
7Remuneration
The remuneration is equal to or exceeding the national minimum wage established by the Government, EUR 430/month or EUR 2.54/hour in 2016). The wage is a form of taxable income (as a regular salary).
In addition to the wage, students may get:
- a scholarship of EUR 60/month (for the best students, starting from the 2nd semester);
- travel compensation (public transport from home to school);
- school lunches (under 21 years old, for pupils in lower secondary education only).
The employer pays the salary to the learner established in the trilateral apprenticeship contract. If a work contract is signed between the company and the student, the salary is not indicated in the trilateral contract.
However, the study place is funded by the state. It concerns the part of the curriculum that takes place at school, and the salary for the trainer at school. The school can pay maximum 50% of the cost of study place to the company, for the salary of the in-company trainer.
According to the apprenticeship contracts, the company is obliged to provide a supervisor based in the workplace.
8Responsibility of employers
The tripartite contract specifies the organisation of WBL and the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract.
Before entering into WBL contract the VET institution together with the company that conducts the work practice assess:
- The learning conditions in enterprise where the practical training will take place,
- Its readiness to fulfil the aims of the curricula and to guarantee the health and safety protection.
- An additional assessment of enterprise is possible in the course of practical training.
Two supervisors are appointed for students in WBL (one based in VET institution and one based in workplace) taking into account their professional and pedagogical competence. The enterprise is obliged to guarantee the appropriate work arrangements necessary for implementing the WBL (Articles 2 and 3 of the Policies and Conditions for Implementing Workplace Based Learning).
The school and the company work out a training plan in cooperation (however, the main responsibility for the plan lies with the school).
Companies participate in apprenticeship training voluntarily.
No information was found on sanctions on companies that are already participating in apprenticeship training and fail to provide training at the workplace.
At local level, social partners participate in VET school advisory bodies which consist of at least seven people and are formed by the owner of a school for 5 years. The role of advisory body is to connect the school and society and to advise the school and manager of school upon planning the development and organisation of teaching and education and economic activities. Among other activities the advisory body provides assessment on the organisation of practical training at school, institutions and enterprises.
The Chambers are also involved as awarding bodies and are responsible for qualification exams. They participate in assessment commissions and accreditation council of accrediting curricula groups of VET Schools