Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

You can study at the The Finnish School of Watchmaking on an apprenticeship for the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in arts and crafts, expertise in precious metals, artisan (watch and jewellery merchant)
    • Entire degree
    • Part of the degree
  • Second degree title 
    • from watchmaker to micromechanic
    • from micromechanic to watchmaker

The person applying requires a job suitable for the apprenticeship. If you already work in the industry, first agree with your employer on the possibility of starting an apprenticeship. An entrepreneur can also study with an apprenticeship contract if certain conditions are met.

 

During an apprenticeship, theoretical studies are combined with practical tasks. Support is provided by workplace counselors and teachers. The learning that takes place at the workplace is supplemented by local and/or distance learning organised at our school.

  • The apprentice student works in a company in the field
    • the employment relationship is valid throughout the apprenticeship contract
    • for the duration of the apprenticeship contract, a salary in accordance with the TES is paid
    • weekly working time is at least 25 h/week
  • Competence is mainly acquired by working in the workplace
  • Skills are supplemented according to HOKS at the educational institution

Those who have completed an apprenticeship have the right to apply for postgraduate studies at a university of applied sciences, a university, or further vocational training.

The parties to the apprenticeship contract

The apprenticeship contract is concluded between the student, the employer, and the educational institution. A personal competence development plan (HOKS) is drawn up for the student, which agrees on the following:

  • Competence Goal
  • Schedule
  • Subjects studied at the workplace
  • Subjects studied at the educational institution
  • Proof of work 
Student Responsibilities 
 
  • Participates in the preparation of HOKS
  • Complies with working hours outlined in the employment contract
  • Completes assigned tasks ensuring any progress is recorded

Employer Obligations

  • Participates in the preparation of HOKS
  • Enables the student to acquire professional skills during their work according to HOKS (at least 25 hours per week)
  • Organizes supervision, and appoints a workplace supervisor who has the skills and resources to carry out the supervision
  • Presents a representative of the workplace as the evaluator
  • Enables the student to acquire skills in other learning environments, such as the educational institution

Educational institution obligations

  • Participates in the preparation of HOKS
  • Ensures the plan’s compliance with HOKS fundamentals
  • Monitors the progress of the studies 
  • Seeks proof-of-work from employer representative
  •  Issues a certificate  (for part-completed or entire degree)

Applicability of the apprenticeship contract for the entrepreneur

An entrepreneur can study on an apprenticeship in his own company when the following conditions are met:

  • The entrepreneur has a social security number
  • YEL or MYEL insured
  • Appropriate work environment and has the necessary tools in the company
  • At least 25/h per week of work in tasks that relate to that of the necessary competence
  • The entrepreneur must find a job councillor or mentor 
More information about an entrepreneur’s apprenticeship: oppisopimus.fi/yrittajalle
 
Study content
 

Studying mainly takes place in the workplace. The areas of the degree are evaluated based on evidence either at the workplace or at school. Each sub-area includes reading materials and assignments. The implementation method and schedule will be agreed upon during the HOKS discussion.

Artesan (watch and jewelry merchant) apprenticeship content can be found here.

Apprentice content for the second field of expertise (micromechanic/watchmaker) can be found here.

Weekly working hours and duration of studies 

Working time is a minimum of 25 hours per week. There are 1–4 days of local study per month.

The planned duration of the study depends on the study unit to be completed:

  • 2 – 3 years constitutes a full degree
  • 0.5 – 1.5 years constitutes part of the degree 

Study costs

Free. Some teaching materials may incur additional costs. 

 

FAQ:

Who can apply for an apprenticeship?

The prerequisite for apprenticeship training is that the applicant has a job suitable for the training. The employment relationship must be valid for the entire duration of the training. An entrepreneur can apply for an apprenticeship when the above-mentioned conditions are met. 

Why apply for an apprenticeship?

You should apply for an apprenticeship if you want to develop professional skills and complete a second-level basic degree or part/parts of a degree along with work. The student is paid a salary according to the collective agreement for the duration of the study.

How to apply for an apprenticeship?

We start the course twice a year, but you can send your application for the apprenticeship at any time. You apply for craft studies by filling out the application form. For another degree title, contact Leena Auvinen.

We interview the applicants individually and also talk to the employer. After this, we make a personal skills development plan (HOKS) and agree on an implementation plan, and sign an apprenticeship agreement.

 

More information about apprenticeships is provided by:

Course supervisor/teacher
Leena Auvinen
040-9052684
leena.auvinen@kelloseppakoulu.fi