Is your apprenticeship or dual degree program going wrong? Are you having trouble and feeling worried? Your Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV), your Works Council (BR), and your local IG Metall chapter can help you.
As an IG Metall member , you also have legal protection—that is, legal advice and representation in all matters of labor and social security law.
Here you’ll find some initial answers to the most important questions.
Where can I get help as an apprentice?
Talk to your Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV), your works council, or your local IG Metall chapter. They offer you advice as well as protection in all legal matters. In addition, they can help you secure financial support and ensure you have the best possible learning environment.
You can ask questions on the Dr. Azubi advisory platform of the German Trade Union Federation (DGB): Dr-Azubi.de
Your trainer can also help you.
If these options aren’t available to you, you can contact your local IG Metall chapter.
Finally, you can also contact your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK). They are responsible for advising on and overseeing vocational training. The chambers verify the suitability of training companies and trainers, register apprenticeship contracts, and organize exams.
However: The chambers are funded by their members—the employers. The only ones truly on your side are IG Metall, your IG Metall Youth and Apprentice Committee (JAV), and your IG Metall works council.
I’m having trouble studying and can’t keep up. Where can I get help?
If you need help with your studies, you can receive special support through training-related assistance (abH). You can attend special support courses once or twice a week—either in your free time or with time off granted by your employer. Your JAV, your works council, and your local IG Metall chapter will support you in this.
What should I do if I’m unhappy with my apprenticeship?
Talk to your trainer, your Youth and Apprentice Representative (JAV), your works council, or your local IG Metall chapter. If you no longer enjoy your apprenticeship at all—for example, because you’re being treated poorly and are primarily used as an unskilled laborer—if you’re required to perform so-called “tasks unrelated to your apprenticeship” instead of learning the knowledge and skills agreed upon in your training plan, then changing your apprenticeship position may make sense.
First, however, you have the right to file a complaint with your employer—preferably through the youth and apprentice representative body (JAV) or the works council.
When should I drop out of my apprenticeship?
Terminating your apprenticeship must be a well-considered decision. Always speak first with your Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV), your works council, or your local IG Metall chapter. You should only terminate your apprenticeship once you’ve found a new apprenticeship or college spot.
Your local IG Metall chapter can help you find a new apprenticeship position. It has a strong network of works councils, JAVs, and IG Metall shop stewards in many companies throughout your region. In addition, your local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK) can also support you.
How long is the notice period during an apprenticeship?
There are different notice periods for apprenticeships, depending on whether you are in the probationary period or not:
During the probationary period, which lasts between one and four months according to the Vocational Training Act, the apprenticeship agreement can be terminated at any time by either you or your training company without giving a reason and without a notice period.
After the probationary period, the training agreement can be terminated by the training company without notice only for good cause, such as in cases of serious theft or if you are frequently absent without excuse. Once the “good cause” becomes known, your employer must give written notice within two weeks; after that, the termination is invalid.
If you want to terminate your apprenticeship, you can give four weeks’ notice. You must state the reason for termination.
But be careful: If you resign on your own after the probationary period, you may face waiting periods imposed by the Employment Agency. This means you won’t receive unemployment benefits for up to twelve weeks. There are exceptions to this rule, such as if you already have a concrete prospect of a new apprenticeship position. Be sure to seek advice from your Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV), your works council, or your local IG Metall chapter.
Be cautious about termination agreements: The Employment Agency treats them as if you had resigned on your own.
What can I do if I have problems at vocational school?
Talk to your Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV), your works council, or your local IG Metall chapter. IG Metall has a strong network, including connections with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Chamber of Crafts (HWK), and political leaders.
Talk to your guidance counselor at the vocational school. Many vocational schools also have school social workers whose job is to support vocational students.
Other points of contact include the career counseling services at the Employment Agency, as well as specialized counseling services offered by the IHK and the HWK.
Your trainers can also help. After all, your training company also has a stake in ensuring you receive a quality education at your vocational school.
What can I do if I have problems with my instructor?
If a discussion with your trainer doesn’t resolve the issue, your Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV), your works council, or the local IG Metall union can also help. Your JAV and works council have extensive co-determination rights regarding issues related to on-the-job training.
What if I’m sick or absent for other reasons?
Too many absences can jeopardize your eligibility for the final exam and, consequently, the successful completion of your apprenticeship. Absences generally include all times you’re away from your apprenticeship position: sick leave, authorized time off, and unexcused absences.
Can I take a break from my apprenticeship due to illness, such as mental health issues—and for how long?
You can take a break from your apprenticeship with a doctor’s note confirming your illness. Afterward, you have the right to resume your apprenticeship. Nevertheless, you should stay in touch with your training company—and especially with the Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV) and the works council. Be sure to seek help from the JAV, the works council, or your local IG Metall chapter. There are also special counseling centers available for this purpose.
Can I take a break from my apprenticeship due to pregnancy?
Even while in training, you’re entitled to statutory maternity leave, which begins six weeks before the birth and ends eight weeks afterward. In addition, after maternity leave, you can take up to three years of parental leave. Your training position must be held open for you.
Once you have a child, you’re entitled to financial support, such as child benefits, parental benefits, and vocational training assistance (BAB). Consult your Youth and Apprentice Representative (JAV), your works council, or your local IG Metall chapter for advice on this.
Can I have a part-time job while in training?
Generally, yes, but you must inform your employer. They may only refuse if you want to work for a direct competitor or if the part-time job could interfere with your main job. Clauses in the apprenticeship contract such as “No part-time job may be accepted” are invalid.
Of course, your part-time job must also comply with the Youth Labor Protection Act and the Working Hours Act. This means, for example, that you may work a maximum of 8 hours per day—8.5 hours in exceptional cases—and no more than five days per week.
You are entitled to the statutory minimum wage for your part-time job. But be careful: Under certain circumstances, you may have to pay taxes and social security contributions, since your apprenticeship stipend and your part-time earnings are combined.
You can find more information about part-time jobs during vocational training here.
What about overtime during an apprenticeship?
If your employer wants you to work overtime, they must first obtain approval from the works council. The overtime you work must serve the purpose of your apprenticeship. In addition, appropriate time off in lieu must be agreed upon. If you’re under 18, you’re not allowed to work overtime. The only exception: If you want to take a day off between a holiday and a weekend and work extra hours beforehand—but then no more than half an hour per day.
Can I shorten my apprenticeship?
Yes, it is possible to shorten your apprenticeship: For example, if you have at least a vocational high school diploma or already have work experience, or if you demonstrate above-average performance, you can shorten your apprenticeship by up to one year.
Any shortening of the program must always be coordinated with your training company and the relevant chamber (IHK or HWK). To do this, submit an application to the chamber together with your training company. It is important that the training objectives can still be achieved despite the shortened duration.
What happens if I get poor grades during my apprenticeship—or fail an exam? Can I be terminated?
You cannot be terminated during your apprenticeship solely because of poor grades. If you fail an interim exam, this has no direct impact on your apprenticeship contract. But be aware: In many apprenticeship programs, the interim exam counts toward the final result of your final exam (extended final exam). However, if you fail the final exam, you have the right to retake it up to two times. Your apprenticeship contract is automatically extended until the retake exam, but by no more than one year.
My apprenticeship certificate is poor—what can I do?
At the end of your apprenticeship, you are entitled to three certificates: the examination certificate from the professional chamber, the certificate from the vocational school, and a certificate from the training company. Later in your professional life, you are entitled to an employment reference. The company’s training certificate can be issued as a basic or a qualified certificate. The basic certificate includes personal information as well as the minimum details required by the Vocational Training Act (BBiG), namely the duration and objective of the vocational training, as well as the skills and knowledge acquired. You will receive a qualified certificate upon your express request. It contains information regarding conduct, performance, and specific professional skills.
My apprenticeship stipend isn’t enough. How can I get more?
If your apprenticeship stipend isn’t enough—for example, because you live far away from your parents and your parents don’t earn enough—you can also apply for vocational training assistance (BAB) or, as a student, for BAföG. In addition, there are scholarships available to help finance your studies, such as those from the Hans Böckler Foundation, which is affiliated with labor unions.
Here you’ll find detailedtips on financing your education.
If you’re doing an apprenticeship at a company bound by a collective bargaining agreement, you can join forces with other apprentices, employees, and IG Metall to push for higher apprenticeship wages. You can learn more about our collective bargaining rounds here.
