An apprenticeship can be dual or school-based. But what is the difference?
Dual Apprenticeship:
In a dual apprenticeship, you alternate between the company and the vocational school. In the company, you learn the practical aspects of the apprenticeship profession and receive remuneration (salary) from your employer. In vocational school, you learn the theory related to the practice.
This model allows you to gain early professional experience.
School-based Apprenticeship:
In a school-based apprenticeship, you are at the vocational school the entire time and have classes most of the time. Many apprenticeships also involve several internships that must be completed.
Generally, there is no remuneration here, but sometimes there are funding opportunities.
Many STEM apprenticeships are dual apprenticeships, such as chemical technicians, biology laboratory assistants, IT specialists, mechatronics technicians, and many more.
However, there are also a few school-based STEM apprenticeships such as chemical-technical assistants (CTA), biological technicians, physical technicians, mathematical technicians.
To get an insight into apprenticeships and a feel for the profession, you can apply for internships and get to know the companies before the apprenticeship. Additionally, apprentices have reported on their experiences in apprenticeships here; feel free to watch the following videos for this purpose.