We help young professionals advance their careers after completing their apprenticeship.
Exam
Thousands of apprentices are preparing for their final exams. Anyone who would like advice while preparing for the exam can contact the Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV) at their workplace or their local IG Metall chapter.
Apprentices who have passed their exams are entitled to a certificate from their training company. It must be worded favorably and signed by the human resources manager. We can provide advice on this and, in the event of conflicts, offer legal protection.
Permanent Employment
Many apprentices have good prospects: Permanent employment following the apprenticeship is now regulated in the collective bargaining agreements for the metal and electrical industries as well as the iron and steel industries. In addition, IG Metall has successfully negotiated with many companies to guarantee that apprentices will be hired for one year. IG Metall members are entitled to this in these companies. Check with your works council, the youth and apprentice representative, or your local IG Metall office for more information. However, there are exceptions, such as when the company is facing financial difficulties. Trainees who have completed their training and are unsure about their next steps should ask their youth and apprentice representative or works council, or contact us.
Career Prospects
Many graduates of apprenticeship programs want to advance their careers—for example, by becoming master craftsmen or technicians, or by pursuing a college degree. In some federal states, after two years of professional experience, it’s possible to pursue a degree in the field of your learned trade even without a high school diploma. A few years ago, we secured a part-time education program through collective bargaining. It gives young workers the right to pursue further education without having to resign. They can gain additional qualifications part-time alongside their job or full-time. They can also take a leave of absence for up to seven years and are guaranteed the right to return afterward.
There are a number of funding sources available to support continuing education or a degree program, such as the Aufstiegs-BAföG. Our part-time education program also offers the opportunity to save time and money over a longer period while working; those who then take a partial or full leave of absence from work to pursue further education continue to receive pay.
IG Metall Services
We support our young members not only with training, continuing education, and career advancement, but throughout their entire future professional lives. We maintain a nationwide network of offices staffed by experts who can provide competent advice on all work-related issues.
We provide free legal protection, for example, in cases of disputes over income, written warnings, maternity leave, employment references, company pensions, or health insurance. We offer leisure accident insurance, numerous guides—both online and in print—a comprehensive range of free seminars, and a network that extends to thousands of companies and universities.
