Apprenticeship in Moldova

Moldova's formal system is called Învățământ profesional tehnic (ÎPT), or technical vocational education. It includes professional schools, colleges and centres of excellence operated by public or private providers. In 2024/25, 81 institutions served about 47,788 learners: 32 professional schools, 35 colleges and 14 centres of excellence. Programmes cover about 190 qualifications, including information and communication technology, automotive and electrical work, construction, energy, agriculture, food production, health and services. The available occupations, teaching language and regional access depend on the institution and admission year. Dual education is the local functional equivalent of an apprenticeship. The ÎPT institution teaches theory, while a company or other economic unit provides most practical training. The institution and company sign a cooperation agreement, and the apprentice signs a written, fixed-term contract de ucenicie. The company participates in selection, the training plan, practical assessment and the qualification examination. A maistru-instructor în producție, or workplace instructor, supervises practical learning. The contract and internal rules can cover occupational safety, discipline, confidentiality and the training schedule. At level 3, dual programmes usually last 1 to 2 years. Other level 3 programmes commonly last 2 to 3 years after general secondary education. Level 4 and level 5 dual programmes usually last 2 to 3 years and generally require a lyceum qualification or equivalent, a related qualification or a baccalaureate, depending on the programme. A level 3 qualification can lead directly to work or, where the requirements are met, to further study in lyceum or post-secondary ÎPT. Completing an apprenticeship does not automatically create a right to a job or admission to university. Admission normally follows a competition based on knowledge and suitability. Applications can be submitted through the e-Admitere SIME ÎPT system or directly online or in person, depending on the procedure. An applicant generally applies to only one institution in the relevant admission process. Typical documents include proof of identity, an education certificate, photographs and, where required, medical fitness evidence or proof of special status. Annual plans determine budget-funded and fee-paying places. For 2026/27, 79 institutions offered 12,282 budget places, including 2,866 dual places; 47 institutions offered more than 70 dual programmes. The 2026 admission cycle used July and August deadlines. A 15% budget-place quota supports groups such as people with disabilities, people without parental care, applicants from families with four or more children and Roma applicants. A dual apprentice receives remuneration under the contract. The regulatory minimum is two-thirds of the guaranteed minimum wage in the real sector, and the Ministry of Education and Research reported about MDL 6,300 per month in 2026, depending on practical training time. Some learners may also receive a scholarship or dormitory place; secondary ÎPT may provide free meals in the situations covered by the applicable arrangements. State funding supports institutional training, while fee-paying programmes also exist. Companies may qualify for compensation of up to 50% of eligible costs, including apprentice remuneration, instructor pay, Chamber of Commerce and Industry services and at least 20 credits of pedagogical instructor training. The Ministry of Education and Research sets policy, admission rules, curricula and qualification examinations. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry provides advice, monitoring, employer support and instructor courses. ANACEC or an EQAR-registered quality agency handles external authorisation and accreditation. The qualification examination is organised with participation from the institution and the company. Passing it gives the occupational qualification. Level 3 graduates receive a Certificat de calificare, while level 4 and level 5 graduates receive a Diploma de studii profesionale. The Ministry reported employment for about 60% of dual graduates in 2026, but employment remains dependent on employer demand and the individual result. In 2023, 2024 and 2025, dual enrolment rose from 1,011 to 1,700 and then 2,139 learners. Adults seeking a first occupational qualification can also use labour-market measures through ANOFM and its local STOFM offices. These include voucher-funded courses, training at the workplace, professional internships and certification of non-formal or informal competences. Vouchers are aimed at registered unemployed people without an occupation or with an occupation that is not locally demanded. Providers must hold the required provisional authorisation or accreditation. Access commonly requires identity or residence documents, registered-unemployed status, a medical certificate and available education or qualification records. In 2025, 12 providers offered 37 occupations or programmes and enrolled 697 people. Validation centres can certify competences at levels 3 to 5 in areas such as construction, food, transport, information and communication technology, light industry, energy and medicine. The annual occupation list, provider capacity, region, teaching language, budget plan and dormitory or fee conditions determine which pathway is actually available.