How are apprentices distinguished from learners and when may an employer avail of the services of either an apprentice or a learner?
An apprentice is any worker, at least 14 years of age who possess vocational aptitude and capacity for appropriate tests, covered by a written apprenticeship occupation agreement, i.e. any trade, form of employment which requires 3 months of practical training on the job supplemented by a related theoretical instruction (in no case more than 6 months)., Only employers in the highly technical industries may employ apprentices. , Learners are persons hired as trainees in semi-skilled and other industrial occupations which are non-apprenticeable and which may be learned through practical training on the job within a period not exceeding 3 months., Learners may be hired only when there are no available experienced workers and to prevent curtailment of employment opportunities without creating unfair competition in terms of labor costs., Wages of learners shall begin at not less than 75% of the applicable minimum wage.
