Apprenticeships
Some secondary school students prefer to enter the job market at the earliest opportunity and opt for an apprenticeship or training that alternates between the theoretical and practical aspects of a trade.
Who this type of education is for
The apprenticeship is a form of alternating secondary education available from 16 years of age (15 years of age if the student has followed a second full year of secondary education) up to 25 years of age.
In practice
This form of education alternates theoretical education and practical training in a trade at a company. The apprentice follows theoretical courses a number of days a week, spending the rest of the time learning on the job at the company.
A training plan is drawn up with an approved training centre, which is also responsible for providing the theoretical training and supporting the student’s integration into social and working life. The Brussels-Capital Region is home to various training centres, teaching in French or Dutch.
For French speakers
Alternating education is available in Brussels in two forms: through a ’Centre d’Education et de Formation en Alternance’ (CEFA, Alternating Training and Education Centre (FR))External link, attached to a secondary school, or through Espace Formation PME for apprenticeships (FR)External link.
For Dutch speakers
- This type of education may be organised within the framework of part-time vocational secondary education (DBSO) (NL)External link, at a ‘Centrum voor Deeltijds Onderwijs’ (CDO, Centre for Part-time Education) or through Syntra Brussel (NL)External link.
- The Flemish Community’s education portalExternal link provides comprehensive information on secondary alternating education.
- Syntra also runs a comprehensive website on the apprenticeship system: www.leertijd.be (NL)External link.