Reference year 2019
1Scheme history
Apprenticeships are under the remit of competence of the German Speaking Community since 1991
Apprenticeship schemes have a very long tradition. Even before IAWM was created, it was possible to sign apprenticeship contracts. The earliest records date from the early 50ies.
2Beneficiaries
Minimum: 15 years old at the time of the apprenticeship start or by the time of the year. Max: 29 years
Exceptions are possible under certain conditions (people receiving public subsidies, such as unemployment benefit, etc.): in such cases the minimum/maximum age can be 65
Between 15 and 18 is the classical target group but the annual analysis of new apprenticeship contracts shows that the average age is slightly above 18 years.
Source: www.iawm.be
More or less 500 apprentices currently in academic year 2019-2020. The level of activity was similar in the past years and no major changes have been registered.
Source: www.iawm.be
3Qualifications
Level 4
Generally, on level 3-6, but many variations
While school-based VET leads to school certificates, apprenticeship leads to a specific type of qualification which can only be obtained through this apprenticeship scheme.
Official qualification “Gesellenzeugnis” which is an apprenticeship qualification, also considered as a formal VET qualification
Access to higher education is possible throughout an additional course, specially arranged for apprentices
Apprenticeship programmes can’t take different forms. They always have the same duration (3 years) and the same form of alternation. With just one exception: if apprentices have job-relevant pre-knowledge, as for example years of VET at school in the same job, then contracts might be signed for a shorter time but still will be end with the same certification (Gesellenzeugnis)
4Governance
There are central level bodies, one for each training provider:
- IAWM for apprenticeship provided by vocational and educational training institutions
- Social partner organisations for industrial apprenticeship
Advisory-role on establishing apprenticeship (as well as VET) programmes
Employers’ representatives take part in the final practical assessment (together with the teacher)
5Training at the workplace
Single companies themselves decide on that
Two half days at school, rest of 38 hours/week at work place
The apprenticeship programme is validated by the Government of the German Speaking Community
Programmes are established by the government of the German Speaking Community with sectors and companies. They define the competences, skills and knowledge needs for each occupation.
Regulated by the law: Erlass der Regierung der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft für mittelständische Lehrlinge und Ausbildungsbetriebe vom 4. Juni 2009
The institute for vocational and educational training is responsible to control and react. Sanctions are termination of the apprenticeship contract and withdraw of the agreement to sign new contracts, in case of non-respect of all duties forseen by law (Erlass der Regierung der Deutschcsprachigen Gemeinschaft zur Festlegung der Ausbildungsbedingungen für mittelständische Lehrlinge und Ausbildungsbetriebe vom 4. Juni 2009).
6Contract and compensation
Apprentices usually have a specific status but It is possible to start apprenticeship with an ordinary employment contract, in which case they are employees. This was the case for 15 apprentices out of 485 apprenticeship contracts in 2019.
The school doesn’t enter the contractual arrangement.
It is normally a formal agreement, but it can also be an employment contract
Fixed by law (Erlass der Regierung der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft zur Festlegung der Ausbildungsbedingungen für mittelständische Lehrlinge und Ausbildungsbetriebe vom 4. Juni 2009) and annually adjusted by the Governement.
1st year: 1.7.-30.06.: 239,42€
2nd year 1.7.-31.12.: 292,66€
2nd year 1.1.-30.06.: 425,85€
3rd year 1.7.-31.12.: 498,85€
3rd year 1.1.-30.06.: 544,08€
The law sets the minimum, additional remuneration is possible and depending on negotiations
7Financing and incentives
The construction sector organisation pays an annual bonus to companies engaged in apprenticeship: 300€ for first year apprentices, 400€ for second year apprentices, 500€ for third year apprentices
Initially the federal entity offered a bonus for every successful apprentice and a reduction of social charges. This amounted to 500€ for first- and second-year apprentices, 750€ for third year apprentices, on condition that at the beginning of the apprenticeship, the apprentice is under the age of 18. The bonus system has been taken in charge of the German Speaking Community meanwhile.
Besides, companies engaged in apprenticeships delivery benefit from a reduction of social charges amounting to 1750€ per year for every employee receiving training
No difference between the wage or allowance for the time at school and in the company.