Part-time vocational secondary education Deeltijdsberoeps Secundaironderwijs Belgium (NL) 1 TARGET GROUP Q7. What is the target group of this scheme? YOUNG PEOPLE IN INITIAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (15-16 YEAR-OLDS) YOUNG ADULTS IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING (ABOVE 16 YEAR-OLDS) UNEMPLOYED (PLEASE SPECIFY IN THE DESCRIPTION) The scheme can be entered directly after lower secondary education but is often taken up by youth who repeated grades and dropped out of full-time education. Q8. What is the age of learners? BETWEEN 15 AND 18 BETWEEN 18 AND 24 ABOVE 24 The scheme is available for young people between the age of 15 and 25. 2 OVERVIEW OF THE SCHEME Q9. Is the scheme included in the ISCED 2011 mapping?
YES NO 354, ISCED level 6 Q10. Is the scheme part of the VET system? YES, IT IS THE MAIN ROUTE IN THE VET SYSTEM YES, BUT IT IS CONSIDERED A SECOND- CHANCE ROUTE NO, IT IS AN ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY OUTSIDE OF FORMAL VET It is not the main route in VET (in 2014 there approx. 8800 pupils in dbso and 29000 pupils in the equivalent second grade of the school based route BSO). It can be considered a second chance option for those dropping out of full time VET. Q11. When was the scheme introduced? LONG HISTORY (BEFORE 2000) RECENTLY INTRODUCED (BETWEEN 2000-2012) NEW PATHWAY (AFTER 2012) Q12. How did the apprenticeship scheme originate?
TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP (MASTER-APPRENTICE RELATION) TO PREPARE APPRENTICES FOR THE OCCUPATION SCHOOL-BASED VET TRACK BY INCLUDING MORE WORK-BASED LEARNING TO SUPPLY SKILLED WORKFORCE TO MATCH LABOUR MARKET NEEDS PROGRAMMES FOR THE UNEMPLOYED (ACTIVE LABOUR MARKET MEASURES) TO FACILITATE INTEGRATION ON THE LABOUR MARKET While combining work placements in industry with school-based learning has a long tradition, sub-schemes in which work experience is acquired through public training services are recent developments aimed at providing disadvantaged, low performing youth with more opportunities on the labour market. Q13. What are the major sources of financing of the in-company training part of the apprenticeship scheme? BY COMPANIES HOSTING APPRENTICES BY EMPLOYERS THROUGH SECTORAL FUNDS BY THE STATE FROM THE EDUCATION BUDGET BY THE STATE FROM THE LABOUR / SOCIAL SECURITY BUDGET BY EU FUNDING Costs for in-company training (for those acquiring work experience in companies, not as part of training projects provided by public training services) are covered by companies hosting apprentices but tax reductions and subsidies are available through sectoral funds as described in question 14 below. Q14. Are there any financial incentives for companies that offer apprenticeship places?
YES, SUBSIDIES YES, TAX DEDUCTIONS YES, INCENTIVES NO FINANCIAL INCENTIVES Until 31 December of the year the apprentice turns 18 employers pay a minimum contribution to the social security system for the apprentice From 1 st of January of the year the apprentice turns 19 the normal social security contributions must be paid, but several reductions exist for employees with low income, and for young people with low or very low qualifications. Specific social security contribution reductions apply for supervisors of apprentices Workplace learning bonus: employers who employ an apprentice on the basis of an employee learning agreement (Werknemerleerovereenkomst) receive 500 EUR annually in the first and second year of the apprenticeship and 750 EUR in the third year. The company s profit for tax purposes may be reduced by 20% of the salary costs of the apprentice. Other premiums may be available at the regional level and from sector funds Source: http://www.werk.belgie.be/defaulttab.aspx?id=8440 Q15. Is the scheme temporary, meaning that it is financed for a limited period of time? YES NO Q16. How many learners are enrolled in this scheme? In 2016: 8773, In 2015: 8797 Source: Education statistics of the Flemish Government[1] Only about one third of the total combine school-based instruction with in-company training (2881 in 2016). Another 16% (1443 in 2016) is considered willing and able to work by the education and training providers but cannot find an apprenticeship place. The other half is placed in sub-schemes in which in-company training is replaced with training organised by the public training services. [1] http://www.vlaanderen.be/nl/publicaties/detail/vlaams-onderwijs-in-cijfers-2014-2015?section=4
Q17. How many learners are enrolled in this scheme in relation to all VET students? THE MAIN VET TRACK (MAJORITY OF VET LEARNERS - MORE THAN 60% OF VET LEARNERS) STRONG VET TRACK (IMPORTANT SHARE OF VET LEARNERS - BETWEEN 30%-60%) MINOR TRACK (SMALL SHARE OF LEARNERS - BETWEEN 10% AND 30%) VERY SMALL TRACK (LESS THAN 10%) APPRENTICES ARE NOT CONSIDERED AS LEARNERS (THEY ARE EMPLOYEES) In 2014, 29774 persons were enrolled in the 2 nd cycle of full-time VET (BSO, first two years of upper secondary education) and 43.136 in the 3 rd cycle (year three and four upper secondary education). Q18. How many learners are enrolled in the scheme in relation to all programmes for learners of the same age group? THE MAIN TRACK (MAJORITY OF LEARNERS - MORE THAN 60% OF ALL LEARNERS) STRONG TRACK (IMPORTANT SHARE OF ALL LEARNERS - BETWEEN 30%-60%) MINOR TRACK (SMALL SHARE OF LEARNERS - BETWEEN 10% AND 30%) VERY SMALL TRACK (LESS THAN 10%) The overall student population in secondary education 2 nd and 3 rd cycle/grad (first four years of upper secondary education) in the Flemish Community is approximately 280.000, of which 8773 are in dbso.[1] [1] http://www.vlaanderen.be/nl/publicaties/detail/vlaams-onderwijs-in-cijfers-2014-2015?section=4 3 QUALIFICATIONS
Q19. Does the apprenticeship scheme result in a qualification? YES NO Q20. Which is the type of qualification obtained through the apprenticeship scheme? EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OCCUPATIONAL / SECTORAL QUALIFICATION Depending on the duration the apprentice remains in the apprenticeship, the following educational qualifications can be obtained:[1] Certificate (successfully completed a programme) Certificate of the 2nd stage of secondary education (at least 2 years in upper secondary education and successfully completed programme) Certificate of the 2nd year of the 3rd stage of secondary education (at least 4 years in upper secondary education and successfully completed programme) Diploma of secondary education (at least 5 years in upper secondary education, obtained Certificate of the 2 nd year of the 3 rd stage of secondary education and successfully completed programme) [1] http://onderwijs.vlaanderen.be/nl/diploma-en-studiebewijzen-het-deeltijds-beroepssecundair-onderwijs Q21. Is the qualification included in the National Qualification Framework (NQF)? YES NO THERE IS NO NQF Programmes combining learning with working are at level 2 and 3 of the NQF[1] [1] http://www.vlaamsekwalificatiestructuur.be/wat-is-vks/kwalificatieniveaus/ Q22. How does the qualification link to the scheme?
IT IS A SPECIFIC TYPE OF QUALIFICATION WHICH CAN ONLY BE OBTAINED THROUGH THIS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME THE SAME QUALIFICATION CAN BE ACHIEVED ALSO THROUGH PROGRAMMES (I.E. SCHOOL-BASED VET) Q23. Does the scheme provide direct access to higher education? YES NO Access to higher education is only possible by following specific additional programmes providing access to higher education. 4 DURATION Q24. What is the duration of the VET pathway? (please refer to the typical duration) 3 on average Q25. How is the length of stay in apprenticeships defined in the regulation? IS DEFINED AS MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM IS DEFINED AS MINIMUM IS DEFINED AS MAXIMUM
IS NOT DEFINED BY REGULATION The law clearly defines which qualifications can be achieved after what number of years. Whereas the standard length of the programme is three years according to the ISCED mapping, apprentices may choose to continue to up to 5 years in upper secondary education to get their secondary education diploma. Q26. Is there a distinction between the training and working period for the time spent at workplace, as per regulation? YES, THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK MAKES THIS DISTINCTION NO, THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK MAKES NO DISTINCTION 5 ALTERNATION OF WORK-BASED (IN-COMPANY) TRAINING AND SCHOOL-BASED TRAINING Q27. Is in-company training a compulsory part of the scheme, as per regulation? YES NO In company training is one option to fulfil the work component requirement of the programme (see other options further below). There are several types of in-company training that are recognised by the Decree: Each form of regular both paid and unpaid work on the basis of an agreement Following a sports related training within the part time secondary vocational education system, whereby a the training must have a clear professional orientation Volunteering work as defined by law; Temporary following of additional training and courses that are aimed at increasing the employability; Carrying out work in the framework of cultural, social or sports activities through an agency which is recognised by the government. The law and decree stipulate that there are several options to replace in-company training with other types of training. The decision which route an apprentice follows is taken by the education and training provider on the basis of his or her readiness to be placed in a company. The alternative options are:[1] A bridging project for young people you are willing to work but whose attitudes and skills which need to be further developed before being able to enter in-company training A pre-project consisting of specific education and training modules for young people whose attitudes and skills are insufficient. A personal development pathway for disadvantaged youth in problematic situations. This pathway is organised by the
education and training provider and may replace both the school and the work place component of the programme [1] http://www.vlaanderen.be/nl/onderwijs-en-wetenschap/onderwijsaanbod/deeltijds-beroepssecundair-onderwijs-dbso Q28. Is there a minimum share of time of the apprenticeship spent in incompany training compulsory as per regulation? YES, EQUIVALENT OR MORE THAN 50% YES, BETWEEN 20% AND 50% YES, LESS THAN 20% NO, NO MINIMUM SHARE IS COMPULSORY Article 27 of the decree on learning and working specifies that in part time secondary VET the school component amounts to 15 hours per week (2 days), and Article 6 defines the minimum weekly hours of the programme to be 28, which amounts to at least 13 hours (almost) 50% time spent in in-company training. Q29. What is the form of alternation of training between workplace (company) and school / training centre? EVERY WEEK INCLUDES BOTH VENUES ONE OR MORE WEEKS (LESS THAN 1 MONTH) SPENT AT VET SCHOOL FOLLOWED BY ONE OR MORE WEEKS AT WORKPLACE ONE OR MORE MONTHS (LESS THAN 1 YEAR) SPENT AT VET SCHOOL FOLLOWED BY ONE OR MORE MONTHS AT WORKPLACE A LONGER PERIOD (1-2 YEARS) SPENT AT VET SCHOOL FOLLOWED BY A LONGER PERIOD SPENT TRAINING AT WORKPLACE VARIOUS - DEPENDS ON VET SCHOOL / TRAINING CENTRE
NOT SPECIFIED The standard form of alternation is 2 week days in school and 3 days at the workplace. 6 FORMAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EMPLOYER Q30. Is any contractual arrangement between the learner, company and/or education and training provider, required as per regulation? YES NO Summarise the key requirements as per regulation:[1] Duration of the contract and inception phase Details of the employer and supervisor Details of the learning component (address, time, etc.) The remuneration Rights and Duties of both parties The programme followed [1] http://abvvjongeren.be/art/pid/15217/deeltijds-leren-en-werken-voor-18-jarigen.htm Q31. Which parties enter a contractual relationship? LEARNER AND EMPLOYER LEARNER, EMPLOYER AND THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTION EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTION AND THE EMPLOYER (NOT THE LEARNER)
NO CONTRACT IS REQUIRED Describe: See above Q32. What is the nature of the contract? APPRENTICESHIPS ARE A SPECIFIC CONTRACT COVERED BY THE LABOUR CODE APPRENTICESHIPS ARE A FORM OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FORMAL AGREEMENT, NOT COVERED BY THE LABOUR CODE There are several types of contracts for in-company training[1], the most common of which are: An apprenticeship contract (werkneemerleercontract), and A part-time employment contract. [1] This system of several types of contracts is currently reformed to become a system of one type of paid and one type of unpaid contract. Q33. Where is the contract registered? AT THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTION AT THE EMPLOYMENT OFFICE AT THE CHAMBERS AT THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Describe briefly: The contracts are checked and registered with the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Paritair Leercomite) of the respective sector.[1]
[1] http://abvvjongeren.be/art/pid/15217/deeltijds-leren-en-werken-voor-18-jarigen.htm Q34. What is the status of the learner? APPRENTICE IS A SPECIFIC STATUS STUDENT EMPLOYEE Describe briefly: Work contracts between employers and apprentices are regulated in the 1983 law on apprenticeships for professions exercised by employees receiving a salary.[1] [1] http://www.ejustice.just.fgov.be/cgi_loi/change_lg.pl?language=nl&la=n&cn=1983071931&table_name=wet 7 REMUNERATION Q35. Do apprentices receive a salary, allowance or compensation? YES, ALL APPRENTICES RECEIVE A SALARY (TAXABLE INCOME) YES, ALL APPRENTICES RECEIVE AN ALLOWANCE (NOT A FORM OF TAXABLE INCOME) APPRENTICES RECEIVE A REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES COMPENSATION IS POSSIBLE BUT NOT REQUIRED NO FORM OF COMPENSATION IS FORESEEN BY LAW Please specify the amount or the range of salary / allowance / compensation: For apprentices with a part-time work contract, the minimum wages of the respective sector/profession apply For apprentices with an apprenticeship contract, an allowance (leervergoeding) is paid whose framework is established by law, but for which sector specific deviations may exist:[1]
The standard rates depend on the sector and the age of the apprentice and currently (1 June 2016) range from 490,30 EUR/month (15 years of age, 64% of a 21 year old) to 766,00 EUR/month (21 years of age). In some sectors the entry allowance is lower for young people without a certificate of the 2 nd stage of secondary education (from 326,90 EUR/month for 15 year olds to 510,70 EUR/month at age 21. The complete list is available at: http://www.syntravlaanderen.be/sites/default/files/uploads/ilw/vergoedingenilw_0.xlsx If a salary / allowance is provided, is it for the whole duration of the training or only for the training spent in company? Please explain: Apprentices with a part-time contract are only paid for the time spent in the company Apprentices with an apprenticeship contract receive an allowance which is lower than standard labour contracts due to the fact that they still follow education and because the employer needs to provide the framework for the apprenticeship. [1] http://www.syntravlaanderen.be/leren-en-werken/industrieel-leerwezen/financi%c3%able-informatie Q36. Who pays the salary / allowance of the apprentice? EMPLOYERS STATE 8 RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYERS Q37. Is the company hosting apprentices required to provide training at the workplace? YES, OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE TRAINING AT THE WORKPLACE IS REQUIRED IN THE CONTRACT YES, IT IS REQUIRED BY LAW YES, REQUIRED BY REGULATIONS NO, NOT REQUIRED FORMALLY In principle, participation in standard working activities without specific additional training would satisfy the formal requirements stipulated by law. Q38. What are the requirements on training companies, as per regulation?
HAVE TO PROVIDE A MENTOR / TUTOR / TRAINER HAVE TO PROVIDE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT HAVE TO ENSURE LEARNING SUPPORT HAVE TO DEVELOP A TRAINING PLAN Only employers (patroons) accredited by the Joint Apprenticeship Committees (Paritair Leercomite) of the respective sector may enter an apprenticeship contract. Apart from work experience, good behaviour and age, the requirements for this accreditation is that the employer will strictly follow the education and training plan of the programme followed by the apprentice.[1] Should the employer not fulfil the above mentioned requirements, or should the employer plan to have apprentices a profession where he is not qualified to provide supervision the employer can to appoint a supervisor (opleidingsverantwoordilijke) who needs to fulfil the same requirements. [1] http://www.syntravlaanderen.be/leren-en-werken/industrieel-leerwezen/erkenningsvoorwaarden-voor-de-werkgevers Q39. Are there any sanctions on companies that do not provide training to apprentices at the workplace? YES NO Q40. What is the role of chambers, employers' and employees' representatives (social partners), sectoral councils (if existent), in apprenticeships, as per regulation? ROLES IN DESIGNING QUALIFICATIONS/ CURRICULA ROLES IN FINAL ASSESSMENT OF APPRENTICES ROLES IN QUALITY ASSURANCE OF WORK- BASED VET
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REGULATION OF THE CONTRACT NO ROLE While the law provides the framework for the apprenticeship system, the sector specific Joint Apprenticeship Committees (Paritair Leercomites) are responsible for many of the aspects of the apprenticeship system. For example:[1] The list of occupations for which an apprenticeship programme is offered; The duration of the apprenticeships The learning goals of the apprenticeship (which must be taken into account by education and training providers when developing the programmes)[2] Specific requirements for the accreditation of employers The calculation of the apprenticeship allowance Rights and duties defined in the contract (e.g. concerning extra annual leave, etc.) [1] http://www.syntravlaanderen.be/leren-en-werken/industrieel-leerwezen/sectorgebonden-informatie [2] Article 29 of the Decree on learning and working: http://data-onderwijs.vlaanderen.be/edulex/document.aspx? docid=14032#258150