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How the entire value chain contributes to sustainability
One of the big advantages of a vocational education is that you earn money while you learn. When you have signed a training contract with a company, you receive apprentice pay in the entire main phase – even during the periods when you are at school. You are not paying for your training; you are being paid to do it.
§Student wages that increase through the program.
The apprentice wages are typically step-divided. You start on one rate in the first year and move up to a higher step as you progress through the program and get better. The principle is simple: the more you can contribute to the company the more your wages increase. The specific rates are set in the collective agreement for the area and are adjusted regularly.
§The agreement sets the framework
Your terms as an apprentice and later as a qualified tradesperson are largely determined by a collective agreement – an agreement between employers and employees' organisations. The agreement describes salary, working hours, allowances, holidays, pension and many other matters. It is your security, ensuring you are treated according to the same rules as your colleagues.
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- 02Working time and rules for overtime
- 03Vacation, days off and public holidays
- 04Pension and any supplements
- 05Notice periods and security in employment
§If you don't have an apprenticeship position yet
If you lack a company to enter into an agreement with you can for a period follow the school's internship scheme where instead of apprentice wages you receive a benefit while you seek a position. This gives you the opportunity to continue in education even though you have not yet secured an agreement.
§Terms as fully trained
When you are done you go from apprentice wages to skilled wages. As a skilled electronics operator you have a recognized competence that is in demand in industry and it is reflected in both wages and job opportunities. You can also choose to organize yourself in a trade union that can advise on contract wages and terms if you are unsure.
“You get paid as soon as you have a training agreement – and the pay follows along as you get better.”