UNEVOC Connect

The term “apprenticeship” should be understood as a form of education and training that is governed by an apprenticeship agreement, that enables an apprentice to acquire the competencies required to work in an occupation through structured and remunerated or otherwise financially compensated training consisting of both on-the-job and off-the-job learning and that leads to a recognized qualification.

Apprenticeships are understood as formal vocational education and training schemes that

a) combine learning in education or training institutions with substantial work-based learning in companies and other workplaces,

b) lead to nationally recognised qualifications,

c) are based on an agreement defining the rights and obligations of the apprentice, the employer and, where appropriate, the vocational education and training institution, and

d) with the apprentice being paid or otherwise compensated for the workbased component.

Any form of education and training that is governed by an apprenticeship agreement and enables an apprentice to acquire the competencies required to work in an occupation through structured training consisting of both on-the-job and off-the-job learning that leads to a recognized qualification.

Systematic, long-term training alternating periods at the workplace and in an education or training institution.

Comment

Apprenticeship:

• leads to recognised qualifications;
• is based on an agreement defining the rights and obligations of the apprentice, the employer and, where appropriate, the vocational education and training institution; and
• with the apprentice being paid or otherwise compensated for the work-based component;
• in French, the term ‘apprentissage’ relates to both apprenticeship and the process of learning;
• the German dual system (duale Ausbildung) is an example of apprenticeship.

A formal, structured programmed of vocational preparation, sponsored by an employer, that juxtaposes part-time off-the-job instruction with on-the-job training and work experience, leads to a recognized vocational qualification at craft or higher levels, and takes at least two years to complete.

A learning programme in respect of an officially listed trade, which includes a trade-test in respect of that trade.