Vocational training is usually referred with the German term ‘Ausbildung’, ‘Berufsausbildung’ or ‘Duale Berufsausbildung’. In English it is commonly referred to as ‘apprenticeship’.
There are two forms of training:
- school-based vocational training: which takes place solely at a technical college, vocational school or vocational college;
- in-company basic and further training: which takes place alternately at a vocational school and in a company (known as “Dual Training”).
Germany’s dual system of vocational education and training is highly recognized worldwide due to its combination of theory in the classroom and training in a real-life work environment. The main characteristic of the dual system is cooperation between mainly small and medium sized companies, on the one hand, and publicly funded vocational schools, on the other.
Vocational training may be your ticket to a career on the German labour market. The training is suitable for all those, who want to learn a profession according to German standards.
Applicants from all countries even Non-EU citizens can apply for a vocational training in Germany and across the European Union. Around two thirds of all trainees get to work permanently at their companies after completing vocational training.
There are currently around 350 occupations requiring formal training in Germany. Some of the main occupations are training for the following positions as an electrician, a nurse, a plumber, a construction worker, a mechanic, a farmer, a secretary among many others.
Dual training usually lasts two to three-and-a-half years. (The duration often depends on the selected profession)
Who can take part in ‘vocational training’ in Europe (Germany)?
- Any foreigner regardless of the age, speaking German on level B1. Having a command of the German language will be a major advantage. After all, the working language at the company where you will train and your vocational school will be German. Some companies offer German language courses for young apprentices from abroad or support their efforts to improve their German skills
- Any foreigner who has at least finished 9 or 10 years school education.
- For a dual training program you don’t need a specific school-leaving qualification on paper. Companies decide themselves what abilities the trainees need to have. However, when screening applicants they naturally often also pay attention to qualifications, reports, and individual grades.
It is fairly easy to get into a vocational training program because many positions remain unfilled each year, especially in the area of nursing, construction, teaching and other services. So foreigners do have very good chances in getting a position. During the training program you will typically earn a gross salary ranging between 800 and 1,200 Euros per month. (Please note that, you will not generally receive any pay for school-based vocational training)
Depending on which occupation or training program you have chosen, you can find a place for your apprenticeship using one of the various online job markets for apprenticeships. Apprenticeships “Ausbildung” for a large range of occupations can be found in the Federal Employment Agency’s job listings.