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Student wages that increase through the program, collective agreement, adult student wages and conditions as a skilled worker.
One of the best things about vocational education is that you earn money while you learn. When you have a training agreement with a company you get trainee pay during the main course — even in the periods when you are at school. Here we go through how your salary is typically put together so you can calculate backwards what is realistic.
§The apprentice wages increase the further you get.
As an apprentice you do not start on full skilled wages. Wages are lowest at the beginning and increase in steps as you become more skilled and progress further in the course. The logic is simple: the more you contribute to the company the more you can do and that is reflected in your wages. Most agreements regulate wages based on how far you are in your apprenticeship.
§What is a collective agreement — and why does it matter?
A collective agreement is an agreement negotiated between the employers and the employees' trade union. It sets among other things the minimum wage how the wage rises working hours allowances and other conditions. In the slaughter and food industry it's the Food Union NNF that negotiates on behalf of employees against the employers. If your workplace is covered by a collective agreement it's that one that sets the framework for your wage and conditions.
§Adult student — different rules
If you are an adult when you start, you may be covered by the rules for adult apprentices. Here there is typically a higher minimum wage than for the youngest students because you are expected to have work experience. The conditions again depend on the collective agreement and your situation, so it is worth getting clarified specifically before you sign an education agreement.
- 01Student wages are paid when you have an education agreement — also during school stays in the main course.
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- 03Specific rates are set in the collective agreement and regulated at each renewal
- 04Adult students usually have other — often higher — minimum rates
- 05Without an education agreement in the basic course you can apply for SU if you meet the conditions.
§Terms as finished skilled
When you have passed the journeyman exam and are fully trained you go from apprentice wages to skilled wages. As skilled you are usually also covered by a collective agreement that ensures a minimum wage allowances for inconvenient hours and pension. Many butcher workplaces have shift work or early morning starts and these often trigger allowances on top of the base wage. The final wage depends on area workplace experience and your own negotiations.
“Know your collective agreement. That is where your rights and your salary are in black and white — and it is free to have it reviewed by your trade union.”
A good tip: get hold of the collective agreement that applies to your future workplace already when you negotiate your training contract. Then you know what you are entitled to and avoid unpleasant surprises.