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Pay

"In your second year you earn the same as in your first."

Your pay is not increased when you move into the next training year.

§ 17 Abs. 1 BBiG

The boss may NOT do that
An increase is mandatory — at least annually!
Training pay must rise at least once a year as the training progresses (§ 17 (1) BBiG). That is not a favour but an obligation. The amount is set by an applicable collective agreement; otherwise at least the statutory minimum of your start year applies with its fixed surcharges (+18% in the 2nd, +35% in the 3rd, +40% in the 4th year compared with the 1st, § 17 (2) BBiG). Pay that stays the same across the training years is unlawful.

What the law says

§ 17 (1) BBiG – Remuneration
The allowance is to be assessed according to the trainee's age so that it increases with the progress of the training, at least annually.

What you can do

  1. When moving into the new training year, actively ask when the increase is coming.
  2. The increase applies from the day of transition (e.g. the anniversary of the training start).
  3. If not adjusted: back payment of the difference is possible (3-year limitation period).
  4. Check the collective agreement — the increases are often fixed.
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