3.5 Traineeships and apprenticeships
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Official guidelines on traineeships and apprenticeships
The regulatory framework for traineeships, apprenticeships, and internships plays a crucial role in defining the specific criteria and guidelines for each type of program. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they come with distinct definitions and regulations that impact their implementation and effectiveness in the labor market. In this section, we will explore how these definitions shape the opportunities available to young people and job seekers, ensuring that each program aligns with the objectives of the labor market and employment policies.
In North Macedonia, the Law on Labor Relations defines apprenticeships, while the Law on Internships provides a separate legal framework for internships, distinguishing them from apprenticeships.
The Apprenticeship system is regulated in the Law on Labor Relations (Закон за работни односи), in articles 56, 57, 58 and 59. These articles refer to the duration of the apprenticeship (maximum one year), performance and cancellation.
The Apprenticeship can last up to one year, unless otherwise stipulated by law. The apprenticeship may be proportionally extended if the apprentice works on a shorter working time than full-time, but for a maximum of six months. At the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice must take an exam, which is an integral part of the internship and is taken before the expiry of the internship. For the duration of the internship, the employer must not cancel the employment contract to the apprentice, except in case of an employer’s termination procedure.
The Law on Internship (Закон за практиканство) regulates the procedure and conditions for realising an internship, the rights and obligations of the intern and the employer where the internship is carried out, the internship contract and the record of the internship. In accordance with the Law on Internships in North Macedonia itself, differentiates the term internship with volunteering activity and trial work in accordance with the Law on Labor Relations, as well as training and retraining in accordance with the Law on Employment and insurance in case of unemployment. The term "Internship" is further defined as a limited period of time that one person is spending as an intern at the chosen employer.
It is noteworthy to mention that according to the Quality Charter on Internships and Apprenticeships conducted by the Youth Educational Forum (YJF), the term “internship” and “traineeship” does not differentiate one from another.
Promoting traineeships and apprenticeships
The traineeship is included in the Employment strategies and programs as a measure for increasing the employability of young people.
The Operational Plan for Active Programs and Measures for Employment and Services in the Labour Market for 2024 includes a dedicated section focused on training programs aimed at enhancing the skills and qualifications of unemployed individuals, supporting their successful integration into the labor market.
This measure is designed to assist a total of 172 unemployed persons, with funding allocated as follows:
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150 individuals financed through the Employment Service Agency (ESA) – sub-account for active programs and employment measures.
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22 individuals supported through AVRSM – IPA II fourth direct grant.
While the Operational Plan for 2025 is expected to continue similar efforts, it remains unavailable as of February 2025. Its publication and full implementation details are still pending, leaving uncertainty regarding any potential updates or modifications to the existing measures.
Recognition of learning outcomes
The trainees provide reports to the ESA and the provider of traineeship. In terms of apprenticeship, the apprentice must pass an exam before the end of the apprenticeship. However, not all providers keep sound record books on traineeships or apprenticeships.
Funding
Under the Active Labour Market Programs and Measures, training providers are not required to co-fund traineeships. Each trainee receives approximately 150 EUR, which includes personal income tax, sickness insurance, and workplace injury insurance, fully covered by the Employment Service Agency (ESA).
Traineeship funding is allocated through the budget of the newly established Ministry of Economy and Labour, as part of the Action Plan for Youth Employment and its operational annual plans. Additionally, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy also provides funding within the same framework.
According to the Operational Plan for Active Labor Market Programs and Measures 2024 (Оперативен план за активни програми и мерки за вработување и услуги на пазарот на трудот за 2024 година), the on-the-job training program aims to support 2,100 unemployed individuals with a total budget of 135,000,000 MKD. This represents an increase from the 2023 budget, which allocated 125,957,170 MKD for 1,992 participants, and a significant rise compared to 2022, when 68,171,373 MKD was allocated for 1,303 people. The steady budget increase in recent years highlights the government's growing commitment to enhancing training programs and improving employment prospects for job seekers.
Quality assurance
Monitoring and quality assurance for a student's apprenticeship is the responsibility of the institution (private or state) in which the apprenticeship is performed. It is usually regulated by internal documents and no specific qualitative outcomes are available.