The Certificate
When Will You Receive a Reference Letter?
Upon termination of the employment relationship—even after termination without notice—you are entitled to a reference letter. The reference letter should be issued in time for you to use it in job applications. So get started early!
What can/must be included in the reference letter?
The content of the reference must be phrased favorably while also being truthful. Information about your conduct and performance may only be included in the reference at your request. It may only contain work-related facts; no comments about your private life, religion, or membership in a union or works council. It must not include one-time incidents that are not characteristic of the employee’s overall performance.
What should you do if the reference was not issued correctly?
If the above requirements are not met, you can insist on a correction or the issuance of a correct reference—in case of doubt, even by filing a lawsuit with the labor court ( our legal protection can help you with this).
When will you receive an interim reference?
If you wish to apply for another position, you may also request an interim reference from your employer.
Hiring
Will you be hired permanently?
We’ve succeeded in establishing the fundamental right to permanent employment following an apprenticeship in the metal and electrical industries as well as in the iron and steel industries. Click here for our guide to permanent employment.
What are the requirements for permanent employment?
In order for apprentices to be hired, they must have passed the final exam. Only our members have a legally binding right to permanent employment.
What can you do if you aren’t hired?
In that case, contact your local IG Metall chapter. There, you’ll receive all the information and practical assistance you need.
The Employment Contract
What must the employment contract absolutely include?
The names and addresses of the contracting parties, the start date of the employment relationship, a job description and place of work, a reference to the collective bargaining agreement, the duration of the probationary period (or a waiver of a probationary period), the salary grade under the collective bargaining agreement, and notice periods
What else might be included?
Payments above the collective bargaining agreement, special agreements, agreements between the employer and the works council (works agreements)
What should you do if you need more help?
You’ll find plenty of tips on this in our guide to employment contracts. You can also contact your local IG Metall chapter.
Wages and Salary After Apprenticeship
How are wages and salaries determined?
Employees of businesses and companies covered by a collective bargaining agreement are assigned to pay grades. You can find out whether a business or company is covered by a collective bargaining agreement by contacting the works council or your local IG Metall office.
Which group will you be assigned to?
What matters here is the actual work performed, not the qualifications employees hold. Specifically: An engineer who works on an assembly line is classified as an assembly-line worker and paid accordingly. To ensure fairness, your works council monitors the proper application of collective bargaining agreements and has a say in the classification and payment of wages.
What should you do if you’d like more information?
Our “Collective Bargaining Info” section includes salary tables and examples of job classification. In addition, our collective bargaining glossary explains all terms related to collective bargaining policy, such as ERA, strike, and much more. You can also read here about the benefits of a collective bargaining agreement.
Going back to school or even college
Here’s how you can further your professional qualifications
By completing your vocational training, you’ve laid a solid foundation for your professional future. You can build on that. There are many paths open to you for further professional development.
Is it worth it for high school or college students to remain members with us?
Yes. The benefits remain the same, and the membership fee is now only 2.05 euros. Here you can read about exactly what we do for high school and college students and what specific benefits you’ll enjoy.
Unemployment
What should you do if you’re unemployed after completing your apprenticeship?
If you weren’t hired by the company and are now facing unemployment: Register as a job seeker and get advice from your local IG Metall office.
Is it worth staying a member?
Yes. Your membership fee will then be reduced to just 1.53 euros per month, and you’ll continue to receive all benefits in full.
