From 1 January 2017 apprentices must be included in all public building and construction projects and services.
The public sector has room for improvement when it comes to using its purchasing power to create more apprenticeships. The government is now making sure that businesses employ apprentices if, for example, they want to construct new schools, roads or railway sections for the public sector. It is a requirement in obtaining contracts, applying to the construction industry and various service industries such as hotels, conferences, cleaning and catering services.
Increase in apprenticeships
Every year, between 6 000 and 9 000 students do not get the apprenticeship they have applied for. These requirements are expected to enable more students to complete their vocational education.
The new rules call for state authorities to require the use of apprentices in contracts worth at least NOK 1.1 million (excluding VAT) and lasting longer than three months. Local and regional authorities must require the use of apprentices in contracts worth at least NOK 1.75 million (excluding VAT) and lasting longer than three months.
Foreign contractors included
More apprenticeships are important for business and industry. They provide businesses with the skilled labour they need and secure Norway’s competitive position. Foreign contractors will also be required to use apprentices to obtain contracts for public procurements in Norway. They must be approved as training establishments in Norway and have Norwegian apprentices, or have apprentices or pupils on practical training from corresponding apprentice schemes in their home country.
More information:
