apprenticeship clause

An apprenticeship clause is a requirement in public procurement that obliges suppliers to employ apprentices when performing public contracts. In Norway, the clause is mandated by Section 7 of the Public Procurement Act and has been in force since 1 January 2017. The purpose is to secure enough apprenticeship places for vocational students and to counteract work-related crime.

How does the apprenticeship clause work?

In Norway, the contracting authority must require that suppliers are affiliated with an apprenticeship scheme and that one or more apprentices participate in performing the contract. The requirement applies to service contracts and works contracts covered by the public procurement regulation.

Three conditions must be met for the obligation to apply:

• There must be a demonstrated need for apprenticeship places in the industry, defined as more than 10% of applicants lacking a placement
• The main element of the contract must involve work where it is relevant to use qualified tradespeople
• The requirement must not be disproportionate in relation to the specific contract

Thresholds and requirements

Since August 2025, stricter rules apply in Norway. State authorities must require apprentice use in contracts worth at least NOK 1.3 million (approx. EUR 115,000) excl. VAT. For other contracting authorities, the threshold is NOK 2.05 million (approx. EUR 180,000) excl. VAT, and the contract must last more than three months.

In addition to requiring at least one apprentice, at least 10% of the relevant work must now be performed by apprentices. Foreign suppliers can fulfil the requirement through an apprenticeship scheme in their home country, and the main contractor may also meet it through subcontractors. The contracting authority must monitor compliance and include sanctions in the contract for non-compliance.

At the EU level, Directive 2014/24/EU enables similar social clauses through Article 70, which allows contracting authorities to include training and apprenticeship requirements as contract performance conditions. Tools like Cobrief can help suppliers identify public tenders that include apprenticeship requirements, enabling early workforce planning.

The apprenticeship clause has contributed to more apprenticeship places in the private sector, though monitoring and enforcement remain challenges. The tightened 2025 requirements aim to strengthen the clause's impact and reward businesses that invest in vocational training.