Hosting a VET apprentice
Host a motivated young vocational apprentice from one of Norway's leading universities. By welcoming a UiB apprentice for an international placement, your organisation gains fresh perspectives, professional exchange and opportunities for international collaboration, while supporting the apprentice's professional development at no cost to you.
By the time they travel abroad, most apprentices have already gained significant workplace experience and are accustomed to working in a professional environment.
Our apprentices are usually between 18 and 20 years old and train in the following subjects:
- Animal science.
- Building management.
- Gardening.
- IT operations.
- Service and administration.
After completing their apprenticeship and passing a final practical examination, they receive a trade certificate. This qualification is recognised at EQF Level 4, the European standard for skilled workers.
Most apprentices undertake their international placement during the second year of their apprenticeship.
The Erasmus+ VET Mobility programme
Through Erasmus+, UiB apprentices can complete a work placement in another European country as an integrated part of their apprenticeship.
International placements help apprentices develop professional skills, intercultural competence and confidence in an international working environment. They also provide valuable experience from a different workplace and culture, while helping apprentices build international networks and prepare for working life in an increasingly global labour market.
UiB apprentices normally undertake their placement during the second year of their apprenticeship. Placements typically last between two weeks and three months.
The placement is fully funded through Erasmus+ and UiB. The host organisation does not incur any costs. Salary, travel and accommodation are covered, and the apprentice remains employed by UiB throughout the mobility period.
Information for host organisations
The administrative requirements are limited, and UiB will support the host organisation throughout the placement. Hosting a UiB apprentice is similar to hosting a trainee, junior employee or vocational learner for a short work placement.
Hosting a UiB VET apprentice
A UiB apprentice is not an intern observing from the sidelines. They are vocational trainees working towards a recognised trade certificate and specific learning outcomes that form part of their training and final trade examination. By the time they travel abroad, they are accustomed to working as part of a professional workplace.
The host organisation is not expected to provide formal education or cover any costs. The main role is to provide relevant work tasks, day-to-day guidance and a professional environment where the apprentice can develop their skills.
As a host organisation, we ask you to:
- Sign the Letter of Intent and Learning Agreement.
- Provide a safe and healthy workplace.
- Give the apprentice relevant tasks and responsibilities that match their competence level (EQF Level 4).
- Appoint a mentor or supervisor and a designated contact person.
- Provide guidance and feedback throughout the placement.
- Contact UiB if any challenges or concerns arise.
- Help the apprentice become familiar with the workplace and local culture.
The apprentice is expected to contribute to the workplace while continuing to learn and develop professionally.
✔️ Many host organisations find that welcoming an apprentice brings fresh perspectives, professional exchange and valuable international connections. Several organisations have gone on to host UiB apprentices repeatedly.
Required documents and contacts
Before the placement starts, UiB will prepare the necessary Erasmus+ documentation together with the host organisation.
The host organisation will be asked to sign a Letter of Intent and a Learning Agreement. These documents outline the purpose of the placement, learning objectives, responsibilities and practical arrangements.
Before the placement begins, the host organisation will also be asked to appoint a mentor or supervisor and provide contact details for the person who will be the apprentice's main point of contact during the mobility period.
The mentor provides day-to-day guidance, helps the apprentice settle into the workplace and supports the learning process throughout the placement. The mentor or supervisor will also provide brief feedback on the apprentice's learning and performance during the placement.
✔️ UiB will guide the host organisation through the documentation process.
Practical arrangements
Before the placement begins, UiB and the host organisation will agree on practical arrangements such as working hours, tasks, supervision and reporting.
✔️ The aim is to ensure that both the apprentice and the host organisation have clear expectations and a positive experience.
Language
The working language during the placement is agreed upon between the apprentice and the host organisation. Most apprentices have experience communicating in English and may also have knowledge of other languages.
Work tasks
Placements are tailored to the host organisation's activities and the apprentice's learning objectives.
Work tasks should be relevant to the apprentice's trade and provide opportunities to develop professional skills while contributing to the workplace. Apprentices should be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of relevant tasks and gain insight into the host organisation's professional environment.
Apprentices are expected to take an active part in day-to-day operations while continuing to learn and develop professionally.
Specific tasks and learning objectives are agreed upon between UiB, the apprentice and the host organisation before the placement begins.
Working hours
Apprentices normally follow the host organisation's working hours, holidays and workplace routines unless otherwise agreed.
Accommodation
Apprentices are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Host organisations are encouraged to provide local advice and practical information where possible, for example about safe neighbourhoods, transport options and everyday life in the area.
Support from UiB
UiB remains the apprentice's employer throughout the placement. Salary, travel and accommodation are funded by UiB through relevant mobility programmes and institutional funding.
If any questions, challenges or unexpected situations arise during the placement, the host organisation can contact UiB at any time.
A dedicated contact person at UiB supports both the apprentice and the host organisation before, during and after the placement. UiB also handles administrative follow-up and the necessary documentation related to the placement.
✔️ We support both the apprentice and the host organisation throughout the entire placement.
Benefits for host organisations
Hosting a UiB apprentice offers an opportunity for professional exchange and collaboration with one of Norway's leading universities.
Many host organisations find that welcoming an apprentice brings fresh perspectives, new ideas and valuable insights from a different educational and professional environment.
Host organisations often highlight the following benefits:
- International collaboration and exchange of knowledge.
- Fresh perspectives and new ways of working.
- Contribution to vocational education and skills development in Europe.
- Valuable professional and cultural insights.
✔️ Several organisations have chosen to host UiB apprentices more than once.
FAQ
Costs and funding
There are no costs for the host organisation. The host organisation does not pay the apprentice's salary and is not responsible for travel or accommodation expenses.
Salary, travel and accommodation are funded by the University of Bergen (UiB) and through relevant mobility programmes.
Accommodation
Host organisations are not expected to provide accommodation for the apprentice. The apprentice is responsible for arranging their own accommodation during the placement.
We appreciate any local advice or practical information the host organisation can provide, such as guidance on transport, suitable residential areas and everyday life in the local community.
Level of experience and competence
UiB apprentices participating in international placements are normally well into their apprenticeship and have already gained relevant workplace experience within their trade.
They are accustomed to working in a professional environment and are expected to contribute actively to day-to-day operations while continuing to learn and develop their professional skills.
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Our apprentices are not beginners, but they are still learning their trade. The placement should therefore provide opportunities to further develop their skills and competence through relevant work tasks, guidance and experience in a new working environment.
✔️ Host organisations can expect motivated apprentices who are ready to contribute, learn and take responsibility at a level appropriate to their competence, experience and stage of training.
Challenges and support during the placement
UiB remains the apprentice's employer throughout the placement abroad. Salary, travel and accommodation are covered by UiB through mobility funding schemes and institutional funding.
If any questions, challenges or unexpected situations arise during the placement, the host organisation can contact UiB at any time.
A dedicated contact person at UiB supports both the apprentice and the host organisation before, during and after the placement. UiB also handles the necessary administrative follow-up and documentation related to the placement.
Apprentices participating in Erasmus+ placements also receive support from Vestland County Council throughout the placement.
✔️ We support both the apprentice and the host organisation throughout the placement.
Apprentice support
UiB remains the apprentice's employer throughout the placement and provides support before, during and after the period abroad.
Before departure, apprentices receive practical preparation, information about safety procedures, and relevant contact details in case of questions or unexpected situations.
For Erasmus+ placements, Vestland County Council also contributes to the support and follow-up of apprentices throughout the placement.
✔️ Apprentices receive support and guidance before, during and after their placement abroad.
The Norwegian apprenticeship system
Most vocational education and training (VET) programmes in Norway follow a 2+2 model. Apprentices complete two years of upper secondary vocational education before entering two years of apprenticeship training in a company or public institution.
During the apprenticeship, apprentices combine productive work with structured training and gradually develop the skills required in their trade. At the end of the apprenticeship, they complete a trade or journeyman's examination leading to a recognised qualification at EQF Level 4.
UiB apprentices who participate in Erasmus+ placements are normally in the apprenticeship phase of their training and already have relevant workplace experience.
For more information about the Norwegian apprenticeship model and apprenticeship training at UiB, please visit our apprenticeship pages: Apprentice in Vocational Education and Training at UiB.