Frequently asked questions about apprenticeship training

What is apprenticeship training?

In apprenticeship training, you learn a vocation in a practical way through work and complement your learning with studies at an educational institution. An apprenticeship is a fixed-term employment contract between a student and an employer. Entrepreneurs can also study through apprenticeship training.

Which qualifications can I complete through an apprenticeship?

You can complete various levels of upper secondary vocational qualifications or parts of a qualification through an apprenticeship, depending on your skill needs. You can complete an initial vocational qualification, further vocational qualification or a specialist vocational qualification.

How much time will I spend working and how much at school

Your weekly working time must be at least 25 hours, which makes up 80% of the qualification. The remaining 20% consists of other forms of learning. Depending on the qualification, you will have 1–5 days of classroom instruction at school per month. You will graduate with a qualification in 1–3 years. You can also complete a partial qualification or additional vocational training. In this case the studies will take 4–12 months.

How much does apprenticeship training cost?

The training is free of charge for you. You will only need to pay for any learning materials.

How much will I get paid?

In an apprenticeship employment relationship, you will receive a salary according to the collective agreement of your field for the entire duration of the apprenticeship training. As an apprenticeship trainee, you are not eligible for financial aid for students, student discounts or other benefits typically available to full-time students who study at an educational institution.

Is there an age limit for apprenticeship students?

Apprenticeship trainee must be 15 years of age and have completed comprehensive school. There is no maximum age.

What are study-related social benefits?

Many employers pay a salary even for the days when you attend vocational school. If this is not the case, Stadin AO will pay you a daily allowance and potentially a family allowance. If the school is located at least 10 km from your home, your travel costs to school will be reimbursed. As an apprentice, you are also entitled to accommodation compensation if you have at least two consecutive school days and the school is located outside the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

What support can the employer receive?

Stadin AO may pay discretionary training compensation to the employer. Since 1 January 2022, employers have received increased training compensation from the Ministry of Education and Culture for students under the age of 20 who are pursuing an initial vocational qualification and do not yet have an upper secondary qualification. The amount of the increased training compensation is €100 per student per month, and it is paid in addition to Stadin AO’s basic training compensation.

Additionally, employers can apply for salary subsidies from Employment Services if they sign an apprenticeship agreement with an unemployed jobseeker. Employers can also apply for the Helsinki Supplement granted by the City of Helsinki.

What does my employer commit to?

The employer commits to paying you a salary in accordance with the applicable collective agreement. The employer also appoints a designated workplace instructor who will support your learning at the workplace. During and at the end of the apprenticeship training, the employer will assess your professional progress and ensure that you are able to participate in the vocational school training as outlined in your personal study plan.

I am thinking about completing a qualification through an apprenticeship. Where should I begin?

Find a job in your field and tell the employer that you would like to become an apprenticeship trainee. If you already have a job, discuss the possibility of an apprenticeship with your current employer. Contact the apprenticeship training customer service: +358 (0)9 3108 8431 or oppisopimus@hel.fi.

Do I need to have a study place already secured when thinking about an apprenticeship?

No, you do not. We will organise the studies that you require.

I already have a job where I could complete a qualification or a part of one through an apprenticeship. How do I proceed?

Contact Stadin AO’s apprenticeship training customer service. Our apprenticeship training specialists and advisers can help you in all matters related to apprenticeship training.

Our customer service can help with your enquiry from Monday to Friday: phone +358 (0)9 3108 8431, email oppisopimus@hel.fi.