Student wages and employment conditions as a gold and silversmith student.
How pay increases through the course, what the collective agreement means, and conditions as a trained graduate
One of the big advantages of a vocational education is that you earn money while learning. Once you have a training contract with a company, you receive apprentice pay — even during the periods when you are at school. This distinguishes a vocational education from many other educational paths where you typically live on state education grant.
§Lønnen stiger gennem forløbet
Student wages are usually divided into steps: they start at a lower level at the beginning of the program and increase as you move forward. The idea is simple — the further you get the more you can contribute to the workshop and that is reflected in your wages. The specific rates are set in collective agreements and are adjusted regularly.
§What is a collective agreement, and why does it matter
A collective agreement is an agreement between the employers' organization and the employees' trade union about wage and conditions in an area. It sets among other things the minimum wage for apprentices on the various tiers rules on working hours vacation and pension. When a company is covered by a collective agreement you as an apprentice can rely on the agreed rights instead of having to negotiate everything yourself.
§Terms beyond just the wage
- 01You are employed under the training agreement and have the rights that come with an employment relationship.
- 02You get paid in both school and practical periods, as long as the agreement runs.
- 03Terms such as vacation and possible pension depend on the collective agreement and agreement that applies at your workplace.
- 04If you are 18 and lack an education agreement for a period (e.g. during basic course), SU under normal rules may be an option.
§When you become journeyman
As fully trained you switch from apprentice wages to skilled wages. What you earn depends on where you work your specialty your experience and whether the workplace is covered by a collective agreement. Some work as employees in workshops and shops others start independently — and there your income is to a much greater extent something you are part of creating.
“Student wages are not just payment for work — it is an investment the company makes in a future journeyman that it helps shape.”