Apprenticeship contract invalid without training

With ruling no. 6990 of 2025, the Court of Cassation has provided clarity on one of the most delicate issues in labor law: the validity of apprenticeship contracts in the absence of training. An apprenticeship contract is a mixed-purpose agreement, where work performance must be accompanied by a structured training program.

According to the Supreme Court, the lack of mandatory training can result in the contract being deemed void due to lack of purpose, leading to the transformation of the employment relationship into an indefinite-term contract from the start. This principle has significant consequences for both employers and employees.

🔍 What is an Apprenticeship Contract: Purpose and Function

An apprenticeship contract is characterized by the employee’s work performance and the employer’s obligation to provide training. The aim is not only productive but also educational: the worker must gain a professional qualification through a structured learning path.

This training component distinguishes apprenticeships from other contracts. Its absence renders the contract void.

⚖️ The Court of Cassation Ruling No. 6990/2025

In ruling no. 6990/2025, the Court of Cassation confirmed that when training is absent or insufficient, the apprenticeship contract is invalid. This lack of training represents a breach by the employer and leads to:

• The nullity of the contract for lack of purpose
• The automatic transformation of the relationship into an indefinite-term contract from the outset
• The application of the legal and economic treatment provided for indefinite-term employees under the National Collective Labor Agreement (CCNL)

📜 The Role of Training in the Apprenticeship Contract

The Court underlined that, while the written form is required for evidentiary purposes, the centrality of training remains essential. The apprenticeship contract aims primarily at professional development, in line with Article 35, paragraph 2 of the Italian Constitution, which states:

“The Republic promotes the training and professional development of workers.”

Therefore, it’s not enough to simply hire an employee; a structured and coherent training plan is required, combining both theoretical and practical training, aligned with the qualification to be obtained.

🚨 Consequences of Missing Training

Failure to provide training as required can result in:

• The nullity of the contract for lack of purpose
• The automatic conversion of the relationship into an indefinite-term contract
• Full recognition of economic and legal rights from the date of employment
• Potential legal disputes due to the employer’s failure to meet training obligations

✅ Conclusions: Training is Not Optional

Training is a critical, not optional, component of the apprenticeship contract. Without it, the contract’s purpose becomes void, transforming the relationship into a standard indefinite-term employment contract.

Employers must take care to prepare and implement training plans, ensuring compliance with legal and collective bargaining requirements.