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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 started your apprenticeship and are in the main phase, you are employed by a company and receive apprentice pay. This is different from many other educations, where you are instead on state education grant.
§Student wages that increase through the program.
The apprentice wages are usually lowest at the beginning and increase step-wise as you progress further in the education and can more. The idea is that you become more valuable to the company as your skills grow. The wages are paid by your employer throughout the entire employment period — also when you are in school during a school period.
- 01You get paid during the entire main course, both in practical training and in school
- 02The rate typically increases for each year you advance in your education
- 03You earn vacation and are covered by standard employment rules like other employees.
§The agreement sets the framework
The specific apprentice wage rates are not something an individual employer just makes up. They are usually set out in a collective agreement between employers and the union in the field. The agreement describes the minimum wage for each stage of the training and a number of other conditions — for example supplements working hours and pensions.
§What does it mean to be covered by an agreement?
Being covered by an agreement provides security: you know what you should earn at least, and what terms apply if a dispute arises. Many in the trade are members of a trade union that both negotiates the agreement and can help if you have questions about your contract or your salary.
§Terms as skilled
When you are trained you go from apprentice wages to skilled wages. As a skilled technician you often work in an industry where tasks come in waves: it is busy leading up to a festival premiere or big exhibition and quieter in between periods. That means working hours can be skewed – evenings weekends and long days around the big productions.
- 01Work often follows the rhythm of events, not a fixed 8-16 workday
- 02There may be overtime and allowances around large productions
- 03On the other hand, there are rarely two days that are alike
“You get paid to learn the trade — and the pay follows as you become more skilled.”