Apprentice in Vocational Education and Training at UiB

This trade is ideal for those who care about animals and want to work professionally with animal welfare. You will learn how to provide high-quality animal care, ensure safe animal handling, follow established procedures, and contribute to animal health and well-being.

About the Trade

The Animal Care Trade focuses on animal care, welfare, and responsibility. You will learn about animal welfare, animal health, biosecurity, and how to handle animals safely and professionally.

During your apprenticeship, you will gain experience in daily animal care, monitoring animal health and behaviour, documentation, and collaboration with other professionals. You will also learn about regulations, hygiene, and the ethical responsibilities associated with working with animals.

The Animal Care Trade at UiB

At the University of Bergen (UiB), all work involving animals is based on high ethical standards. The Animal Facility is approved by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and accredited by AAALAC International.

As an apprentice, you will work in a professional environment that supports research and education. Your tasks may include:

• Animal care and husbandry.
• Promoting and safeguarding animals’ physical and mental well-being.
• Training and preparing animals for different environments, purposes, and activities.
• Handling and preparing animals for various purposes.
• Operation and maintenance of animal housing and facilities.
• Documentation and reporting.
• Customer contact, guidance, and service.

You will work closely with experienced professionals and learn to follow procedures that ensure high standards of animal welfare and safe animal handling.

As an apprentice in the Animal Care Trade at UiB, you will gain valuable experience in a professional environment that supports research and education at one of Norway's largest universities.

Learn more about the UiB Laboratory Animal Facility: https://www.uib.no/en/animalfacility

Key Qualities

To thrive in the Animal Care Trade, you should:

• Care about animals and have a strong respect for animal welfare.
• Be patient, calm, and caring.
• Be able to work in a structured manner and follow procedures.
• Have good observational skills.
• Work well with others.
• Be able to work independently and take responsibility.

This trade is ideal for those who enjoy practical work, technical solutions, and taking responsibility. As a building operator, you help ensure that buildings and technical systems operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably every day.

About the Trade

The Building Operations Trade focuses on the operation, maintenance, and development of buildings and technical systems. You will learn to work with ventilation, heating, cooling, water and drainage systems, outdoor areas, and digital building management systems.

An important part of the job is preventing faults and damage, following health, safety and environmental (HSE) procedures, and helping to create safe and functional buildings for users. You will also learn how operation and maintenance can reduce energy consumption and contribute to more sustainable solutions.

✔️ The Building Operations Trade follows a special training pathway: one year in upper secondary school followed by three years of apprenticeship training.

The Building Operations Trade at UiB

As an apprentice at UiB, you will gain experience from a diverse portfolio of buildings, ranging from teaching facilities and laboratories to modern research buildings, museums, and protected cultural heritage sites. This provides broad experience in the operation and maintenance of many different types of buildings.

You will become part of a highly skilled professional environment and work alongside tradespeople in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical disciplines, among others. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on experience with technical installations, operations, and maintenance while building a strong professional network.

Learn more about the UiB Property Department:https://www.uib.no/en/eia

Key Qualities

To thrive in the Building Operations Trade, you should:

• Be practically minded.
• Enjoy working with others.
• Be able to work in a structured and independent manner.
• Enjoy solving problems and finding effective solutions.
• Be curious about technology, buildings, and sustainable solutions.

This trade is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors, are interested in plants, and care about nature, the environment, and sustainability. As a horticulturist, you help create, develop, and maintain green spaces, gardens, and plant collections.

About the Trade

The Horticulture Trade focuses on the production, establishment, and maintenance of plants and green areas. You will learn about plants, growing conditions, soil, climate, and how natural resources can be managed sustainably.

During your apprenticeship, you will gain experience in plant production, planting, irrigation, fertilisation, and maintenance. You will also learn how to operate and maintain technical equipment and develop knowledge of plant health, quality, and sustainable working practices.

The Horticulture Trade at UiB

The University of Bergen (UiB) is home to the University Gardens, which include Muséhagen, the Arboretum, and the Bergen Botanical Garden. As an apprentice, you will work with everything from historic gardens and unique plant collections to the conservation of rare and endangered plant species.

You will work outdoors throughout the year and learn the trade through practical experience alongside skilled horticulturists and researchers.

Your work may include:

• Planting and maintaining plant collections.
• Caring for historic gardens and landscaped areas.
• Supporting the conservation of rare and endangered plants.
• Operating and maintaining horticultural equipment.
• Monitoring plant health and quality.
• Contributing to collections used in research, teaching, and public outreach.

The apprenticeship offers a unique combination of practical vocational training, environmental stewardship, and experience in a research-based environment. Working alongside skilled horticulturists and researchers, you will gain insight into how plants contribute to research, education, and biodiversity conservation.

Learn more about the University Gardens at UiB:
https://www.uib.no/en/universitygardens

Key Qualities

To thrive in the Horticulture Trade, you should:

• Be interested in plants, nature, and the environment.
• Enjoy working outdoors in different weather conditions.
• Be practical and comfortable with physical work.
• Be able to work in a structured and detail-oriented manner.
• Be curious and motivated to learn.
• Take responsibility for equipment, plants, and tasks.
• Work well with others.

This trade is ideal for those who are interested in technology and enjoy solving problems. As an apprentice in the IT Operations Trade, you help keep critical digital services running and resolve technical issues that affect thousands of users every day.

About the Trade

The IT Operations Trade focuses on the operation, maintenance, and development of IT solutions. You will learn to work with networks, servers, software, information security, and user support.

During your apprenticeship, you will gain experience in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and operating digital services. You will also learn how IT systems can be developed and managed in a secure, stable, and user-friendly way.

The IT Operations Trade at UiB

The University of Bergen (UiB) has a long tradition of training apprentices in the IT Operations Trade. As an apprentice, you will work with IT services used every day by thousands of students, researchers, and staff. The technology you support plays a vital role in research, teaching, and learning across the University.

You will gain experience with a wide range of services, including wireless networks, storage solutions, authentication systems, servers, and software applications. You will become part of a highly skilled professional environment and work alongside experienced IT professionals who operate and further develop key IT services at the University.

Your work may include:

• Providing user support and guidance for students and staff.
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving.
• Operating and monitoring servers and networks.
• Installing and maintaining software.
• Developing and improving IT solutions.
• Documenting systems and work processes.

Your apprenticeship will provide practical experience in professional IT operations within a large and complex organisation. You will work with technology that supports research, teaching, and learning while building skills that are in high demand across the labour market.

Learn more about the UiB IT Department:
https://www.uib.no/en/it

Key Qualities

To thrive in the IT Operations Trade, you should:

• Be interested in technology and digital solutions.
• Be curious and motivated to learn new systems.
• Enjoy solving problems and finding effective solutions.
• Be able to work in a structured and independent manner.
• Be service-minded and helpful.
• Communicate effectively with others.
• Work well as part of a team.

This trade is ideal for those who enjoy working with people, providing good service, and keeping things organised. As an apprentice in the Service and Administration Trade, you will help support the daily operations of a large and complex organisation through communication, coordination, and administrative work.

About the Trade

The Service and Administration Trade focuses on communication, customer service, administration, and digital tools. You will learn to plan, carry out, and follow up tasks that contribute to the efficient operation of an organisation.

During your apprenticeship, you will gain experience in customer service, case processing, document management, financial administration, and digital systems. You will also learn how service, structure, and teamwork contribute to a well-functioning workplace.

The Service and Administration Trade at UiB

As an apprentice at the University of Bergen (UiB), you become part of the daily operations of one of Norway's largest universities. UiB has a long tradition of training apprentices in the Service and Administration Trade. You will learn how a large knowledge organisation functions and collaborate with employees, students, and external partners. At the same time, you will gain experience in service, communication, events, administration, finance, and case processing.

Your apprenticeship may be based at a department, faculty, or within the central administration. Wherever you work, you will contribute to services that support research, education, and student life.

Your tasks may include:

• Providing customer service and support for students, staff, and external partners.
• Responding to enquiries by email, phone, and digital channels.
• Handling mail, documents, records, and archives.
• Assisting with administrative processes, case handling, and documentation.
• Managing registrations, orders, and practical support tasks.
• Supporting financial administration and invoice processing.
• Planning and coordinating meetings, courses, and events.

The apprenticeship provides broad experience in administration, communication, and collaboration. You will gain insight into how administrative services support the core activities of a modern university while developing skills that are valuable across both the public and private sectors.

Key Qualities

To thrive in the Service and Administration Trade, you should:

• Enjoy working with people and providing good service.
• Be organised and structured.
• Be comfortable handling multiple tasks at the same time.
• Communicate clearly in writing and speech.
• Work well with others.
• Be responsible and reliable.
• Be solution-oriented and approachable.

As an apprentice at UiB, you become part of a large and diverse apprentice community at one of Norway’s largest universities. You receive dedicated support, valuable work experience, and the opportunity to develop in a professional and inclusive working environment.

What You Can Expect at UiB

• A large community of fellow apprentices
• Access to UiB’s dedicated apprentice resource hub
• Guidance from experienced professionals
• Real work assignments and increasing responsibility
• Excellent opportunities for professional and personal development
• Networks and experience that support your future career
• Skills and qualifications valued by employers

At UiB, learning comes first. You are not here to fill a staffing need, but to learn, develop, and grow into a skilled professional. Our goal is to provide a safe, rewarding, and engaging apprenticeship experience.

Close Professional Support

As an apprentice at UiB, you will have an apprenticeship supervisor who is responsible for your training and development. Your supervisor will support your progress throughout the apprenticeship and ensure that your training follows the requirements of your trade and curriculum.

You will also receive day-to-day guidance from instructors and colleagues in your workplace.

A Unique Working Environment

UiB is one of Norway’s largest universities, with thousands of employees and students. Here, you will work alongside researchers, students, skilled professionals, and administrative staff, gaining experience in an environment where new knowledge is created every day.

Our workplaces span research, teaching, operations, IT, and administration. You will gain insight into how a large organisation functions in practice, collaborate with professionals from a wide range of disciplines, and contribute to activities that support education, research, and societal development.

At UiB, you gain more than an apprenticeship. You become part of a vibrant apprentice community across different trades and workplaces, creating opportunities to build networks and share experiences with others.

Our workplaces are centrally located in Bergen, with easy access to city life, public transport, and the student community. The experience you gain at UiB will provide a strong foundation for both your future career and further education.

Gatherings and the Apprentice Community

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will have access to activities, courses, resources, and opportunities to connect with others that support you both professionally and socially. Through a network of apprentices across different trades and workplaces, you will meet others at the same stage of their apprenticeship journey.

Throughout the year, UiB organizes both professional and social events, including:

• Kick-off days.
• Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) training.
• Job application and career workshops.
• Christmas and summer events.

These events make it easier to get to know other apprentices and share experiences across trades and workplaces. Many apprentices build friendships and professional networks that last well beyond their apprenticeship.

Learning and Development

During your apprenticeship, you will gradually take on more responsibility and increasingly independent tasks. You will receive support and guidance from experienced professionals and become an integral and valued part of your workplace alongside other employees.

UiB is a large educational and research institution with a wide range of professional environments and workplaces. During your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to become familiar with different parts of the university, participate in courses and events, and build networks across disciplines and workplaces.

We are committed to supporting your professional development and helping you become a confident and skilled professional.

Ongoing Support

As an apprentice at UiB, you will receive support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship. You will have an apprenticeship supervisor who oversees your professional development, a manager who supports you as an employee, and colleagues who provide day-to-day guidance and assistance.

You are never on your own during your apprenticeship. UiB places great emphasis on well-being, learning, and providing a safe and supportive working environment.

UiB’s Apprentice Resource Hub

One of the unique benefits of being an apprentice at UiB is access to UiB's own Apprentice Resource Hub. Developed by UiB and built on many years of experience working with apprentices, it contains tools, templates, guides, and practical advice to support you throughout your apprenticeship.

From your first day in the workplace to preparing for your trade examination and taking the next step in your career, the hub provides guidance and support developed specifically for UiB apprentices.

Job Application and Career Workshops

Each year, you will have the opportunity to participate in career workshops designed specifically for apprentices. These workshops help you:

• Write a CV and job application
• Prepare for interviews
• Present your skills and experience effectively

You are welcome to participate every year throughout your apprenticeship.

Employee Benefits

As an apprentice, you will have access to many of the same employee benefits as other staff members. These include:

• Exercise during working hours by agreement with your manager.
• Discounted membership at Sammen Training.
• Discounted cinema tickets.
• Access to company cabins and holiday accommodation.

These benefits are designed to promote well-being, work-life balance, and a positive apprenticeship experience at UiB.

Would you like to make your apprenticeship even more unique?

As an apprentice at UiB, you may have the opportunity to spend part of your apprenticeship in another European country through the Erasmus+ programme. Exchange placements typically last between one and three months and usually take place during the second year of the apprenticeship.

During your exchange, you will complete practical training and gain work experience with a company abroad. You can:

• Live and work in another country.
• Meet new people and experience different cultures.
• Gain professional experience from an international workplace.
• Develop your language skills.
• Broaden your knowledge of your trade or gain specialist expertise in a particular field.
• Learn new working methods and explore different perspectives within your profession.

UiB applies for Erasmus+ funding on behalf of apprentices. Apprentices selected for an exchange placement may receive financial support to help cover expenses such as travel, accommodation, and local transport. Throughout the exchange period, you will continue to receive your salary from UiB.

For many apprentices, an Erasmus+ exchange is one of the highlights of their apprenticeship. It provides a unique opportunity to experience life and work in another country while developing valuable skills and international experience that are highly valued by employers.

During Erasmus+ placements, apprentices remain employed by UiB and continue to receive their salary throughout the mobility period.
 

✔  In Brief

Spend part of your apprenticeship in another European country, gain international work experience, experience new cultures, continue receiving your salary from UiB, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Useful Links

The links open in the same window.

▪ Erasmus+ for pupils, apprentices and teachers (Vestland County Municipality, Norwegian only).

▪ Countries you can travel to (Erasmus+).

▪ The Erasmus+ website.
 

✔ Information for companies interested in hosting a UiB apprentice on an Erasmus+ exchange placement.
 

Working Hours

The standard working week is 37.5 hours, including lunch breaks.

For most apprentices, the following working hours apply:

• Summer hours (15 May to 14 September): 08:00-15:00
• Winter hours (15 September to 14 May): 08:00-15:45

UiB also offers a flexible working hours scheme. In agreement with your manager, you may adjust your start and finish times when your work tasks allow.

Employees may, by agreement with their manager, take either Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve off, as well as one additional day during the Christmas holiday period. These days are recorded as normal working hours.

If you participate in an Erasmus+ exchange, you will normally follow the working hours and workplace practices of the host organisation during your placement abroad.

Salary

Apprentices at UiB are employed and receive a salary throughout their apprenticeship. Your salary gradually increases as you develop your skills and take on greater responsibility within your trade.

If you participate in an Erasmus+ exchange, you will continue to receive your salary from UiB throughout your stay and may also be eligible for grants to help cover travel, accommodation, and local transport expenses.

You do not need top grades to become an apprentice at UiB. Motivation, interest in your trade, and personal qualities are just as important as academic results. We do not expect you to know everything when you apply, but we do expect you to be eager to learn and develop.

The qualities we value most are that you:

• Are motivated to learn.
• Show initiative and enthusiasm.
• Work well with others.
• Are reliable, keep your commitments, and take responsibility.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully.
• Want to develop into a skilled professional.

Being willing to ask for help, accept guidance, and learn from your experiences is also an important part of being an apprentice.

Trade-Specific Qualities

Different apprenticeship trades require different interests and strengths. The following qualities are often valuable in our apprenticeship programmes, although they can also be developed throughout your apprenticeship.

• Building Operations: Practical-minded, solution-oriented, and interested in building maintenance and facility operations.
• Animal Care: Interested in animals, caring, and committed to animal welfare.
• Horticulture: Enjoys practical outdoor work, has an interest in plants, and appreciates seeing the results of work over time.
• IT Operations: Technically curious and interested in technology, digital systems, and IT services.
• Service and Administration: Service-minded, solution-oriented, and a strong communicator.

These qualities can be helpful, but they can also be developed throughout your apprenticeship. At UiB, we are looking for apprentices who are motivated to learn, develop, and grow in their chosen trade.

As an apprentice at UiB, you are expected to be reliable, show an interest in your trade, and contribute to a positive working environment. We expect you to:

• Arrive on time and be prepared.
• Take responsibility for your own learning.
• Show initiative and participate actively in the workplace.
• Ask questions when you are unsure.
• Follow Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) procedures.
• Treat colleagues, students, and others with respect.

At UiB, there is no such thing as a silly question. The more you ask, the more you learn. Our goal is to support you in developing into a confident and skilled professional.

In Norway, an apprenticeship is part of upper secondary vocational education and training (VET). Most vocational programmes follow a 2+2 model, consisting of two years in school followed by two years of apprenticeship training in a company or public institution. During the apprenticeship period, apprentices are both employees and learners, gaining practical experience while working towards a recognised vocational qualification.

The apprenticeships described on this page are primarily intended for students with youth rights (ungdomsrett), the statutory right to upper secondary education in Norway.

What does an apprentice do?

An apprenticeship combines practical work experience with formal learning. Instead of attending school full-time, apprentices learn a trade through practical training in a workplace while working towards a trade certificate (fagbrev) or journeyman's certificate (svennebrev), a nationally recognised vocational qualification.

During the apprenticeship, you are both an employee and a learner. You:

• Are employed and receive a salary.
• Train for a skilled trade or profession.
• Work towards a trade or journeyman's certificate.
• Combine real work responsibilities with structured training and support throughout your apprenticeship.

What is a trade or journeyman's certificate?

At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices complete a practical trade examination. Those who pass are awarded a trade certificate (fagbrev) or journeyman's certificate (svennebrev), which demonstrates professional competence and provides formal vocational qualifications.

These qualifications can lead to employment, further vocational education, additional academic qualifications, or further specialisation within the profession.

Could an apprenticeship be right for you?

An apprenticeship in vocational education and training may be a good choice if you:

• Learn best through practical work.
• Prefer hands-on learning to classroom-based education.
• Want early experience in the workplace.
• Would like to earn a salary while completing your education.
• Want to gain a recognised vocational qualification.

The apprenticeships described on this page are primarily intended for students with youth rights (ungdomsrett), the statutory right to upper secondary education in Norway. 

Other training pathways

The information on this website is primarily intended for apprentices following the standard Norwegian apprenticeship pathway leading to a trade or journeyman's certificate and who have youth rights (ungdomsrett).

Other vocational training pathways also exist and may be available through different arrangements and eligibility requirements. For more information about this, please contact Vestland County Municipality.

Learn More About the Norwegian VET System

For more information about vocational education and training in Norway, visit the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (Udir): Norwegian vocational education and training (VET) | udir.no

Eligibility and Applications

Apprenticeship training at UiB is integrated into the Norwegian vocational education system. UiB apprenticeships are intended for applicants who are enrolled in a vocational education programme within the Norwegian upper secondary education system and who have youth rights (ungdomsrett), the statutory right to upper secondary education in Norway.

To be eligible for an apprenticeship at UiB, you must be enrolled in the Norwegian upper secondary vocational education system and have youth rights.

Applicants from Outside Norway

UiB does not recruit apprentices from vocational education and training (VET) programmes outside Norway for regular apprenticeship positions.

However, VET apprentices from other countries may have the opportunity to undertake short-term exchange placements at UiB through programmes such as Erasmus+. This allows international apprentices to gain experience at UiB in the same way that UiB apprentices may complete part of their apprenticeship abroad.

Applicants from Other Parts of Norway

You can apply for an apprenticeship at UiB regardless of where you live in Norway, and many of our apprentices have relocated to Bergen to complete their apprenticeship with us.

If you are offered an apprenticeship, you are responsible for arranging your own accommodation, travel, and transport to and from your workplace. You must also be able to meet the agreed working hours.

If you are considering moving to Bergen to become an apprentice, we recommend that you explore accommodation and transport options before applying.

Alternative Pathways

If you do not have youth rights, you may contact Vestland County Municipality for information about alternative pathways to apprenticeship training.

The University of Bergen (UiB) has a long tradition of contributing to vocational education and training. Skilled professionals play an important role in society, and there is a continuous need for vocational expertise across a wide range of sectors.

Apprentices are an important part of the UiB community. They bring new perspectives, up-to-date knowledge from school, enthusiasm, and a strong interest in their chosen profession. By training apprentices, UiB contributes to the education of future skilled professionals while also strengthening its own working and learning environments.

Training apprentices encourages knowledge sharing, reflection, and continuous development. Apprenticeship training therefore benefits both the apprentice and UiB as an organisation.

We are proud to be a training organisation and to contribute to the education of future skilled professionals.

Special regulations apply to apprentices under the age of 18. These rules are designed to ensure that the working environment is safe and appropriate for your age, experience, and training needs.

As an apprentice under 18 at UiB:

• You work according to your agreed working hours.
• You will normally not be required to work overtime.
• You are entitled to breaks and daily rest periods.
• Your work tasks must be safe and appropriate for your age and level of experience.
• You will receive training, guidance, and support throughout your apprenticeship.

UiB follows the regulations for young workers and is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and rewarding apprenticeship experience.

UiB is committed to ensuring that all apprentices have the best possible conditions for success throughout their apprenticeship.

If you require accommodation or additional support, we encourage you to let us know as early as possible. Accommodation may be relevant if you have:

• Dyslexia or other reading and writing difficulties.
• ADHD, autism, or other conditions that affect learning or work.
• Visual, hearing, or mobility impairments.
• Illness, injury, or other health-related challenges.
• A need for adjustments to training or the working environment.

The need for accommodation does not affect your opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship at UiB. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to discuss accommodation or support needs.

Together, we will explore appropriate adjustments that can help you make the most of your apprenticeship. Any information you share about accommodation needs will be treated confidentially.

When you start your apprenticeship, you will have time to get to know your workplace, colleagues, and work tasks. You will receive training and guidance throughout your apprenticeship, and no one expects you to know everything from day one.

At the beginning, much of your time will be spent learning and becoming familiar with your work tasks. As you gain confidence and develop your skills, you will gradually take on more responsibility and work more independently. The goal is to help you develop into a skilled and confident professional.

As an apprentice, you learn through practical work in a real workplace. You will receive guidance from experienced professionals while working towards the learning outcomes set out in the curriculum.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will receive regular feedback on your progress and development. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will complete a practical trade examination. If you pass, you will be awarded a trade certificate (fagbrev) or journeyman's certificate (svennebrev).

If you do not pass the examination on your first attempt, you will receive feedback on what needs to be improved and have the opportunity to take the examination again.

Completing an apprenticeship and obtaining a trade certificate (fagbrev) or journeyman's certificate (svennebrev) can open up a wide range of opportunities.

You may choose to start working as a skilled professional, continue your education at a higher vocational college, complete supplementary studies for general university admissions certification, pursue higher education through pathways such as the Norwegian Y-pathway (Y-veien) in certain fields, or further develop your skills through additional vocational qualifications.

A trade or journeyman's certificate provides both formal qualifications and valuable work experience, creating opportunities across many sectors and professions. Many apprentices choose to enter the workforce immediately, while others continue their education right away or later in their careers.

Former apprentices have gone on to work for a wide range of employers, including UiB. However, completing an apprenticeship at UiB does not automatically guarantee employment after the apprenticeship period ends.

During your apprenticeship, you will also have the opportunity to participate in job application and career workshops designed to help you prepare for future employment and education opportunities.

Yes. UiB may host vocational education and training (VET) apprentices from other countries through Erasmus+ exchange programmes and similar arrangements.

Exchange placements are organised through cooperation between the sending institution, the host organisation, and the apprentice. The content and duration of each placement are agreed individually and must be relevant to the apprentice's vocational training.

Organisations interested in exploring exchange opportunities with UiB are encouraged to contact the relevant faculty, department, or unit directly to discuss potential placements and availability.

Organisations interested in hosting a UiB apprentice as part of an Erasmus+ exchange placement can find further information on the Information for Host Organisations page: Hosting a VET apprentice | UiB