Frankfurt am Main – IG Metall welcomes improvements for apprentices under the Vocational Training Modernization Act (BBiG), but still sees a need for action regarding dual-track students. “Good training is an essential prerequisite for a world of work transformed by digitalization. The new BBiG has laid some solid groundwork for this,” said Christiane Benner, Second Chair of IG Metall, on Thursday in Frankfurt. Thanks largely to the unions’ intervention, the law has improved significantly compared to the draft bill. IG Metall views the coverage of costs for technical literature and the days off granted to all apprentices prior to their final exams as particularly positive. However, Benner criticizes the fact that the important step of extending the BBiG’s application to dual-track students is still missing.
Significant improvements were also made to the minimum training allowance compared to the draft bill. At the initiative of the DGB unions, the applicable case law regarding the “adequacy” of training allowances (the training allowance may not fall more than 20 percent below the average industry-standard collective bargaining training allowance) was incorporated into the law. The minimum training allowance is now also to apply to off-site training programs, which represents a significant financial improvement for many young people, many of whom are often disadvantaged.
The additional coverage of costs for technical literature ensures better teaching and learning materials in company-based training. Youth and apprentice representatives, as well as works councils, are now provided with a new legal tool to have employers cover the costs of current, often very expensive technical literature in the future.
IG Metall also welcomes the fact that all apprentices are now excused from work on vocational school days and on workdays leading up to the written final exam. “The legislature has thereby addressed the desire to clear one’s head before stressful final exams and also after long days at vocational school. This also enhances the quality of training. Our union representatives in the workplaces must ensure that the new regulations are implemented accordingly,” says Stefanie Holtz, Federal Youth Secretary of IG Metall.
Examiners also benefit from the changes to the law. Effective immediately, they have a legal right to time off for their examiner duties. What’s still missing here is compensation. “IG Metall will continue to advocate for paid time off; that would be a strong show of appreciation for volunteer work,” says Hans-Jürgen Urban, Executive Board Member of IG Metall. What is still missing from the new BBiG are dual-track students. More than 100,000 young people are already using this form of training to start their careers. For them, there are still no legal standards in place for the in-company practical phases. For example, there are no requirements regarding the qualifications of in-company instructors. Compensation and vacation entitlement will continue to be determined primarily at the discretion of employers. “IG Metall will continue to apply pressure until comprehensive legal protections for dual students are enshrined in the law,” Urban announces.
“And in terms of collective bargaining policy, we will also strive for nationwide solutions to achieve true equality between apprentices and dual-track students. The fact that this issue is even on the table—and the successes mentioned at the outset—are due to the long-standing commitment of our members, especially the local IG Metall youth groups,” says Stefanie Holtz.
In continuing vocational education—which is growing in importance—no qualitative improvements are being made. Instead, new degree designations are being introduced in continuing education: “Certified Vocational Specialist,” “Bachelor Professional,” and “Master Professional.” “The new titles tend to create confusion and add nothing in terms of quality. IG Metall has proposed introducing framework plans for continuing education, just as we have for vocational training. Anyone interested in continuing education would then finally have quality standards to guide their decision when choosing an educational provider,” says Urban.
