Classroom instruction at VET schools
VET schools provide classroom instruction. This includes vocational instruction, instruction in language, communication and society (LCS) and physical education (PE). There are also remedial courses and optional courses.
Classroom instruction at VET schools must be provided in full-day sessions. If the duration of this instruction exceeds one day per week, then the remainder must be provided in a single block. Instruction is given throughout the VET programme. Some training plans provide for a digressive model: i.e. the portion of classroom instruction is greater at the start of the VET programme but is reduced over the semesters. The hours that are indicated in the programme schedule for each apprenticeship year may be broken down into blocks (instruction blocks).
Whenever possible, classes are grouped by occupation. Learners from related occupations may be grouped together for vocational instruction. This is why VET schools establish competence centres that bring together groups of occupations. Furthermore, learners cannot always attend the nearest VET school. This measure particularly affects occupations with low numbers of learners.
Attendance of classroom instruction at the VET school does not result in a reduction in the learner’s salary. Learners should also be able to attend optional courses lasting up to one half day per week during their working hours and without any reductions in their salary. Classroom instruction is free of charge for learners. The VET school prepares a performance report each semester.
A full day of classroom instruction at a vocational school (min. 6, max. 9 lessons including free and support classes) is equivalent to a full working day. A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 lessons are considered equivalent to half a working day.
When there is no classroom instruction, learners are required to work in the host company. In this case, the hours spent travelling from the VET school and the workplace must be taken into account.
At their request, learners may be exempted from certain subjects if they are able to prove that they have already received equivalent or better education and training.
Apprentices for occupations that have closely-related profiles may be grouped together for vocational instruction. The organisational aspects of classroom instruction may vary according to specific areas and subjects chosen. Classroom instruction is aimed at augmenting professional competences in a targeted manner. In the commercial field, learners attend specific courses aimed developing the knowledge required by the professional organisation responsible for training and examinations.
