3.6.4.3. Contents

Any employer may hire apprentices, while nevertheless respecting a certain proportion between them and qualified workers whom he/she employs in accordance with the provisions in effect.

An apprenticeship contract is not permitted for unskilled labourers or for waiters, more qualified workers, the agricultural sector, etc.

As far as the proportions to be respected are concerned, in general the number of apprentices may not exceed 100% of the number of specialised and qualified personnel. This limit is not applicable in crafts companies or other small companies, for which there are specific provisions.

Young people not younger than 15 years of age (14 years of age for activities of a non-industrial nature) and not older than 20 years of age may be hired as apprentices. In the crafts sector, the maximum age limit may be increased by collective agreements to 29 years of age for particularly qualified work.

The apprentice contract may not last longer than stipulated in collective agreements; it may under no circumstances exceed five years.

Under the terms of the measures on apprenticeship, the apprentice must receive a practical training in the company and a complementary theoretical education, with the aim of achieving a maximum professional aptitude.

As far as the theoretical part is concerned, the regions provide the training courses for appren-tices. The employer must place the apprentice in a theoretical course, attendance of which is compulsory.

The remuneration is set by collective agreement. The employer's social security contributions are minimal, while those for the apprentice are set at 4.94% of the wage actually received.

3.6.4.4. Financial resources

For non-crafts companies, the weekly fixed contribution from the employer amounts to ITL 3,936 if the apprentices are insured against accidents and occupational illness and ITL 3,756 otherwise.

For crafts companies, the contributions are the responsibility of the region (or, in regions with a special status, the state); only ITL 32 per week remains to be paid by the employer. There are also reductions in the contributions for employers who employ apprentices with a qualification. In this case, they continue to benefit for a further 12 months from reductions foreseen for apprentices.

3.6.4.5. Institutional support

Young people who wish to be hired as apprentices must register on specific lists with the local employment office which is competent for their district.

Non-crafts companies can hire by name-call; crafts companies can hire directly.

The employer must nevertheless obtain the agreement of the competent local labour inspectorate for the young people he/she wishes to hire.

3.6.4.6. Duration

There is no time limit on the application of the law.

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