Training

Vocational Training in Germany for Foreigners

Vocational training or apprenticeship is a good way to start your career in Germany. It’s a dual program which will allow you to work hence earn some money and study at the same time. Germany has been welcoming foreigners to join vocational training programs for a long time. 

If you aren’t looking for a degree and a sedentary job, this program will be the right choice for you. Moreover, you don’t need to finance education, you even will get paid! 

What is a Vocational Training?

Vocational training is known as the apprenticeship program and is a very popular way to start working life right after school. This happens due to the dual system; students work and study at the same time. The program is particularly made for non-academic professions. 

The dual system means that participants spend about 50–70% of their time in companies and the rest in special schools. This way they have on-the-job training and work experience.

Depending on the profession, trainees may work for three to four days a week in the company/factory/firm/shop and another part will be spent learning at Berufsschule (professional school).

This is usually the case for trade and craft occupations. Other professions, such as nurses have block systems: 1-2 months of school followed by the same amount of practice. 

The program usually lasts between 2 and 3 years. With the received qualification, skilled workers can continue to work as experts in the company, obtain further qualifications (e.g. master craftsman or even a study at university), become self-employed, or return to their home country to work there with the foreign qualification.

The most common jobs are handicrafts like nurses, bakers, merchants, electricians, ambulance workers, doctor assistants, plumber, mason, painter, hairdresser, etc. But often you will find an Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in almost all fields and industries.