Vocational training in Germany consists of two parts, a school-based and a company or hospital-based one. This is called “dual training”. The operational part predominates and consists of a lot of practical work. The school part is spread over one or two days a week in the vocational school. In some training occupations, the learning units are also offered in blocks of four weeks. In the vocational school, the theoretical knowledge about the respective profession is imparted.
By combining theoretical knowledge and practical application, you will be optimally prepared for your future profession. With dual training, you have very good chances of getting a job in Germany.
By the way, there are around 350 recognized apprenticeships in Germany, so a wide range of options.
PROGRAM ROADMAP
The vocational training year usually begins on August 1st or September 1st in the winter intake and in the month of April for the summer intake (Only a few schools admit for Summer intake). As already said, the training is spread over the times at the company or the hospital (in case of Nursing studies) and at school. In vocational school, two-thirds of the lessons consist of topics that are important for your apprenticeship. In addition, you have the subjects of German, English and social studies. During your apprenticeship you are entitled to at least 24 working days or four weeks’ vacation per year – but only during the time when the school also has vacation time.
After the first half of the apprenticeship period, you have to take an intermediate examination that asks what you have learned in school up to then and how you apply your knowledge in your company. The final exam takes place at the end of the training period.
STIPEND
During your dual training, you will receive a monthly salary from your employer. Which clarifies the question that a further blocked account is not needed for pursuing your Ausbildung career in Germany. On average, a trainee in Germany currently earns 908 euros gross. Depending on the region in which you are doing your training, you can receive more or less. For a mechatronics technician apprenticeship, for example, the average gross monthly amount is around 1,088 euros. Your salary also increases with each year of your apprenticeship. A part of this money is deducted for social security. If you earn more than 9,000 euros a year, you also have to pay taxes.
Advantages Of An Apprenticeship In Germany
Here are five reasons why vocational training in Germany makes sense:
- The dual training combines theory and practice.
- There is a shortage of young professionals in Germany.
- You can already earn money during your apprenticeship.
- After successfully completing your training, you have a very good chance of being accepted into an employment relationship.
- You have extensive career opportunities, because committed, professionally qualified specialists are in demand on the job market.
- By the way: in Germany all vocational training is controlled by the state and offers education at the highest level. This means that German vocational qualifications are leading in the world!
Requirements
In order to be able to complete an apprenticeship in Germany, various requirements must be met. This includes required visas, language skills, age restrictions and school-leaving qualifications
Visa
If you are a citizen of the EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter Germany or to start an apprenticeship. If you want to live in Germany, you only have to register with a residents ‘registration office or citizens’ office.
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you need a visa. You can apply for a visa at the responsible diplomatic mission in your country. You have to note that it can take up to three months for the visa to be issued.
If you are applying for a visa for dual training, you must enclose the following documents:
- Proof that you can finance your own living. The cost recovery is 650-700 euros.
- The commitment from the training company; ideally a copy of your apprenticeship contract.
- Health insurance is also valid in Germany until the beginning of your training.
Do you want to know everything in more detail? Then find out about the new skilled immigration law that came into force for Germany on March 1st, 2020.
Language skills needed
If you want to apply for an apprenticeship as a nurse, you need German language skills at level B2. For all other training, you have to speak at least at level B1 at the beginning of the training. You have to prove your language skills in your application
Age of enrolment
To apply for a visa for training, the age limit for starting your vocational training is 25 years. At the vocational school you will find that most of your German classmates are between 16 and 20 years old. (Even though candidates belonging to an age group of 30 and 40 also apply for such courses. The admission may totally depend upon the employer, since candidates with a higher age is always not attractive for the employer. In this case, the candidate is informed about the risks involved)
School leaving Certificate
As an international applicant you need to complete your higher secondary school leaving certificate to be able to start an apprenticeship in Germany. If you have good grades in mathematics or good computer skills, this is an advantage for vocational training in the technical field. Note that your certificates must be in German. You can find all information about the recognition of your qualifications on the information portal for foreign qualifications anabin.
Finding an apprenticeship position
To do this, you first have to know which training suits you. What are your talents and interests? Which school subjects do you like? Do you enjoy working with people? Are you fascinated by working on the PC or would you rather work on the service sector; catering service to the needy ones in a hospital or handling machines and tools? As soon as you have found the answers, you can start looking for your apprenticeship and a vacant apprenticeship position.
How can you apply?
You can find a lot of tips about the application in our application tips. There we have summarized what belongs in your application documents. It starts with the right cover letter. Make sure you have them translated. Some applicants send their application by post using an application folder. For applicants from abroad, however, an online application makes more sense.
What qualification do you have as a trainee in Germany?
You usually end your training with an exam to become a skilled worker. As a trained skilled worker, you have excellent career opportunities. The skilled worker qualification is also an important step in applying for a permanent residence permit in Germany.
And after a few years of work in Germany, it is also possible to acquire German citizenship.
What happens after the apprenticeship?
Once you have successfully completed your training in Germany, you have various options:
You will be given a permanent job by your training company-hospital.
Your company does not take over you or you want to get to know another company and apply for a position in another company with your diploma.
You would like to continue your education, specialize, advance your career or become self-employed. Which further training is suitable for you depends on the profession and the industry.
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