What is a VET apprentice?
The vocational and educational (VET) apprenticeship scheme is part of the Norwegian public education system.
Main content
The vocational and educational (VET) apprenticeship scheme is an educational model where young people (and adults) learn a trade by combining training and practical work in a company. The aim is for apprentices to gain practical skills, theoretical understanding, and experience that prepare them for a trade certificate. The scheme is used in more than a hundred occupations, ranging from construction and health care to IT and horticulture.
As an apprentice, you are an employee who is also undergoing training. This means that you both learn and work, and receive a salary while completing your education. The apprenticeship period normally lasts two years.
For a new apprentice, this includes:
- learning through practical work.
- combining theory and practice in daily tasks.
- receiving guidance from experienced professionals.
- developing professional skills in real work situations.
Organisation
The apprenticeship scheme is part of the Norwegian public education system. The county authorities are responsible for vocational education and training. They follow up both apprentices and companies, approve training establishments, and ensure that training follows national curricula.
When you start as an apprentice, you sign two agreements:
- a training contract describing what you will learn during the apprenticeship period
- an employment contract with the company you will work in
The company or a training office follows you up throughout the apprenticeship and ensures that you receive the training you are entitled to.
During the apprenticeship
- you receive most of your training and guidance at the beginning
- you gradually take part in ordinary work tasks
- you have the same rights and duties as other employees
- you receive continuous assessment and follow-up in line with the curriculum
The apprenticeship ends with a trade examination, and once you pass, you receive a trade certificate.
Why the VET apprenticeship scheme matters
The apprenticeship scheme is important for both society and working life. Norway needs skilled workers, and the scheme ensures that vocational education is not just theory but also real work experience. Apprentices learn their trade through practice, guidance, responsibility, and collaboration in an actual company. This prepares them well for working life and gives industries access to qualified professionals.
For apprentices, the scheme offers:
- a clear pathway into employment.
- a salary during education.
- valuable work experience.
- a trade certificate that opens doors to jobs, further education, and specialisation.
Being a VET apprentice at UiB
As an apprentice at the University of Bergen, you become part of a large and diverse professional environment where training and practical work are closely linked to the university’s societal mission.
You learn your trade in real work situations, supported by experienced professionals who guide you in your daily tasks. UiB emphasises thorough training, safe working practices, and solid professional development throughout the apprenticeship period. You are gradually given more responsibility as you become more confident in your trade, and you contribute to tasks that are important for the university’s operations and service quality.
As an apprentice at UiB, you gain:
- an inclusive and supportive working environment.
- close guidance in your professional development.
- safe training with clear expectations and structure.
- access to a broad social and professional apprentice network across UiB.
- the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful, knowledge-driven institution.
Most UiB VET apprentices are 17-21 years old.
Work-Experience Pupils (Praksiselever)
UiB accepts a limited number of work-experience pupils from upper secondary schools, but these placements are not organised centrally. Pupils who wish to apply for a work-experience period at UiB must contact the relevant institutes or faculties directly to ask whether suitable opportunities are available within their subject area. Each academic unit assesses its capacity, tasks, and whether it can offer a relevant placement.
