6/13 - OVM : Apprenticeship
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When a student from Oskar-von-Miller-Schule Kassel (OVM) or a similar vocational school enters an apprenticeship with an industrial firm, they are generally considered to be both a student of the school and an employee of the firm, depending on the specific terms of the apprenticeship program. Here’s how it typically works:
Dual Status as Student and Employee:
As a Student: The individual continues to be registered as a student at OVM, often participating in courses or completing educational components required by the apprenticeship program. This educational aspect is crucial for achieving the qualifications associated with their vocational training.
As an Employee: Simultaneously, the apprentice works at the company, gaining practical experience and usually receiving a stipend or wage. This work is part of their training and is structured to complement their academic learning.
Supervised Learning:
School Supervision: The school oversees the academic progress and coordinates with the company to ensure that the practical training meets the educational standards and objectives of the apprenticeship program.
Company Supervision: On the job, the apprentice is treated like an employee, expected to follow company rules and regulations but also receives mentoring and instruction pertinent to their vocational education.
Contractual Agreement:
- Apprenticeship Contract: There is typically a formal apprenticeship contract between the student, the school, and the company that outlines the responsibilities and expectations of each party. This contract specifies the duration of the apprenticeship, the wages (if any), and the division of time between school and work.
Completion and Certification:
- Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the student usually receives a certification or diploma that is recognized by the industry, affirming their qualification to work in the field as a skilled professional.
Thus, during an apprenticeship, the student's role is hybrid, balancing responsibilities and benefits of both being a student and an employee. This dual role is fundamental to the vocational training model, which aims to integrate academic learning with practical, on-the-job experience.
An apprenticeship timetable varies depending on the specific program and the arrangement between the vocational school and the partnering company. Here's a typical weekly timetable for a student who is an apprentice in an Industrial Mechanics program. This example assumes a dual training system where the apprentice splits their time between the vocational school (OVM) and the company.
Example Weekly Timetable for an Apprentice

Key Features of This Timetable
Balanced Approach: The timetable balances between theoretical education at the school and practical training at the company.
Integration of Learning and Working: Days are clearly allocated to either school or company, allowing the apprentice to focus fully on the task at hand—whether it's studying or working.
Support for Deep Learning: Theory classes often precede lab work, providing an opportunity to apply what was learned in the classroom practically in a controlled environment.
Real-World Experience: Substantial time is spent at the company, providing hands-on experience under the supervision of skilled professionals in the field.
This timetable provides a structured approach to learning and working, ensuring that the apprentice gains both the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand the principles of industrial mechanics and the practical skills required to perform effectively on the job.
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