The term sounds dry and like a chore. However, the report portfolio has important functions:
It serves as a record of the training period: your trainees record everything they learn in the report booklet.
- Trainees remember new knowledge better.
- It shows whether they have understood what they have learned.
- Trainees learn to explain their work in appropriate words.
- As a trainer, you get an overview of the learning status: What does the trainee already know? Where are there still gaps?
- With the report portfolio, you ensure that your trainees know what they should know at the end of their apprenticeship.
- Report books help you to ensure the quality of the training.
Nowadays, there are several variants of how your trainees can keep a report portfolio. The classic is handwritten with a pen and paper notebook. However, many examination boards nowadays also recognize the digital report portfolio. The electronic form has been officially permitted since October 2017, and your trainees can use Word or Excel to keep a digital report portfolio. Even more practical are digitally fillable PDF forms (see template below) or online programs.
As a crafts company, you have a choice: You decide whether your trainees keep an analog or digital report portfolio. Remember to record your decision in the training contract.
Printed out, as a Word document or as a PDF: Also find out what the examination board wants. This is because the board specifies the format in which your trainees should submit their report portfolio.
There is none! The report portfolio is the proof of training.
In Germany, all trainees must keep a report portfolio. This is stated in the Vocational Training Act (BBiG, §13, No. 7). Good to know: The report portfolio is a prerequisite for admission! Your trainees must submit the report portfolio to the examination board for the examination. However, the board does not grade it.
- You reduce the mountains of documents in your office. This saves paper and searching - especially if you have several trainees!
- You save time because you no longer have to guess your trainees' scribbles. Digital report books are easy to read.
- "Forgot/misplaced my notebook": This argument no longer counts. The digital report portfolio is always stored in the same place, for example in the Meisterwerk app - for everyone to see at any time.
- The reports contain errors? Your trainees are happy that they don't have to completely rewrite the report portfolio. You improve the errors with just a few clicks.
- They also easily add other documents, for example, photos or technical drawings.
Download our free PDF templates: With you, your trainees keep daily or weekly report cards. Regularly, clearly and practically on the cell phone, tablet or computer.
Here are a few things skilled trades and apprentices need to keep in mind when completing the report card. These are the minimum requirements:
- Trainees must keep the report portfolio regularly and completely. And they must do so for the entire duration of their training. The usual format is a daily or weekly report.
- A simple form is required: That is, short sentences or bullet points are sufficient. A report portfolio is not a novel! Give your trainees this orientation guide: One A4 page per week is sufficient.
- The following must appear on each daily or weekly summary: Name of the trainee, year of training, reporting period, duration of activity.
- In addition, trainees must regularly present the booklet to their trainer: The training companies check the report portfolio and confirm that it is correct and complete. You do this by signing and dating it. With digital report books, electronic confirmation is also possible, for example with a digital signature in the Meisterwerk app.
- Trainees must carry the training certificate with them to the intermediate and final examinations. The exact rules are in the examination invitation.
These excuses no longer apply with the digital report portfolio.
Digital report books simplify the training record and save both trainees and the training company time and paper.
Here's how to do it even faster: Replace the Word or Excel document with a digitally fillable form: Upload it to the Meisterwerk app. Your trainees fill it out directly in the app. They then check the easy-to-read reports in the app - from the office or on the road. A digital signature is also possible.
- No searching, no smeared notes: use your forms and templates directly in the Meisterwerk app.
- You know where the templates and completed documents are at all times.
Upload forms, fill them out digitally and sign them: The Meisterwerk app is the information center for trade businesses.
Notice:
The information in this article does not constitute legal advice. Despite careful research, we cannot guarantee completeness, accuracy and timeliness, especially for legal information. If you need legal help, please contact a lawyer.
