Young people and apprentices

The most obvious key stakeholders, of course, are young people and the apprentices themselves. They need to inform themselves before entering into a Quality Apprenticeship so as to have a better understanding of what it involves, what the alternatives could be, and what is required in terms of activities and commitment. This is particularly important because in some countries there is a relatively high level of non-completion/early termination, which may be explained in part by the mismatch between what the apprentice wants to do and what is offered by an apprenticeship programme.

The stakeholders’ main roles and responsibilities are to:

  • Gather information about education and training opportunities, as well as potential employment opportunities, so as to take informed decisions over future career choices;
  • Understand the aims, strengths and weaknesses of the different training pathways;
  • Understand the obligations expected of apprentices by other stakeholders.

Once they are enrolled, they need to:

  • Learn their trade conscientiously and diligently;
  • Attend off-the-job and on-the-job training as per schedule;
  • Engage fully and take on responsibilities gradually as the training progresses;
  • Follow the safety instructions carefully and protect the equipment and facilities of the enterprise and the TVET institution;
  • Follow all lawful instructions of supervisors and trainers in the workplace;
  • Build up a good working relationship with the in-company mentors, as well as the teachers and trainers in the TVET institution;
  • Meet the obligations of apprentices mentioned in the contract;
  • Regularly complete assignments and undertake all scheduled assessments;
  • Be aware of employment options after completion of the training.

Public authorities increasingly make a particular effort to bring the responsibilities to the attention of future apprentices, as may be seen in the Irish case in box 19.

Box 1: Apprentices’ responsibilities - Ireland

​As an apprentice, you have responsibilities just like other workers. You must work with care and skill and follow your employer’s instructions, provided they are reasonable and lawful.

You have a duty to be diligent, honest and not wilfully disruptive.  You also have to take care of your own health and safety and that of others in the workplace.

Apprentices will need to complete all phases of training and all assessments required by their particular apprenticeship.

Make sure you:

  • Are registered by your employer as an apprentice within two weeks of being recruited
  • Attend your off-the-job training when it is scheduled
  • Complete any outstanding off-the-job training assessments
  • Return your on-the-job phase results on time
  • Know about and comply with your obligations under the Apprenticeship code of practice.

Source: http://www.apprenticeship.ie/Documents/ApprenticeshipCodeOfPractice.pdf accessed 28 February 2017.