„Employee professional development is not just a personal matter. The Labor Code obliges employers to create conditions for employees to learn, improve their qualifications, and adapt to the changing labor market needs. This benefits both parties: it gives the employee the opportunity to pursue professional goals, and helps the employer build a qualified team, improve work quality, and strengthen the company’s competitiveness,“ emphasizes VDI Chancellor Šarūnas Orlavičius.
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When are study leaves granted?
Employees who study under formal education programs are entitled to study leave. The duration depends on the purpose of the study. The Labor Code stipulates that study leave is granted:
- to prepare for and take exams – 3 calendar days for each exam;
- to prepare for and take tests – 2 calendar days each;
- to perform laboratory work and consultations – as many days as specified in the training plans;
- to complete and defend a bachelor’s or master’s thesis, dissertation, or art project – 30 calendar days;
- to prepare for and take state (final) exams – 6 calendar days each.
The employer must grant study leave in all cases provided for in the Labor Code. However, attending lectures alone does not entitle one to study leave.
Study leave is not always paid. “If the employment relationship with the employer lasts longer than five years, for study leave lasting up to 10 working days per year, the employee must be paid at least half of their average wage,” highlights Š. Orlavičius as one of the most important conditions.
Working hours can also be adjusted for studies
Study leave is not the only guarantee available to employees. During the study period, an employee may request an individual work schedule that allows coordinating work hours with the study timetable.
“In practice, the possibility to balance work and study largely depends on whether the employee and employer discuss both parties’ needs in advance. Properly adjusted working hours can help the employee continue studies without giving up work, and help the employer retain a motivated and professionally developing specialist,” notes the VDI chancellor.
The employer must also fulfill the employee’s request for annual leave if it is needed to take exams or tests or to prepare a final thesis.
Apprenticeship – an opportunity to gain qualifications on the job
Work and study can also be combined by concluding an apprenticeship employment contract. It is intended for an employee seeking to acquire the qualifications or competencies required for the profession on the job.
“Apprenticeship provides the opportunity to learn in a real work environment and immediately apply the acquired knowledge in practice,” emphasizes Š. Orlavičius. “At the same time, it is an employment relationship, so the employee must be paid for the actual time worked, and the wage cannot be less than the minimum monthly salary set by the Government.”
An apprenticeship employment contract is usually concluded for no longer than 6 months, but together with a training contract, it can be concluded for a longer period. Thus, apprenticeship allows the employee to work, receive wages, and acquire skills necessary for professional activity simultaneously.
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