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Vocational Training

 

How does the training system work?

In Germany, there are almost 350 state-approved training occupations in about 400,000 training companies. Currently, more than 1.3 million people are doing vocational training. In many industries, new apprentices are being sought because there is a shortage of skilled workers.
 
Qualified vocational training usually lasts between 2 and 4 years. An apprenticeship combines theoretical learning in the vocational school with practical experience in the company. In the vocational school, not only subjects such as German, math or social studies are taught, but also subjects that are specially adapted to the profession you want to learn. How much time you spend in practice depends on whether you are doing (full) school or in-company training.
 
There are various possibilities for vocational training:
 
In-company (dual) training: Most training courses are structured in the dual system. This means that you usually go to vocational school for 1-2 days and to the company for 3-4 days – so the practical part predominates. Sometimes you are in the vocational school for a few weeks at a time and the rest of the time in the company. Halfway through the training period, you will take an intermediate examination. At the end, there is the big final examination, which is organized by the respective professional chamber.
During the dual training, you usually already receive a salary. In a dual training, you can learn skilled trades, but also professions such as hotel clerk or IT specialist.
 
School education: The school education takes place only in the vocational school. But here, too, practice plays an important role, because in between you complete various internships. During school education, you usually do not get any money. An exception, however, is e.B. the training as a nurse, because this is remunerated. Professions that can typically be learned in school training are not only the nurse but also educators or foreign language correspondents.
 
During the training, you must keep a report book/training certificate. In this booklet, you need to write down what you have done and learned. Such proof is a prerequisite for taking the final examination.
 
After passing a final exam, you will have a state-recognized degree in your pocket. Many trainees are then taken on by their training companies – so the chance of a career in the profession they have learned is great.
 

Normally, you have to apply for a place one year before the desired start of training. An application always includes a cover letter (max. 1 page), a CV (max. 2 pages) and certificates.
 

The training contract specifies the duration of the training, the learning content in chronological order, the remuneration and the holiday entitlements. In addition, the company compiles a training plan in which it is recorded how the required content is taught.
 

No specific school leaving certificate is required for in-company training. However, it can be helpful for a successful application. For school-based training, a secondary school leaving certificate, but at least a lower secondary school leaving certificate, is usually required.
 

  • Before the training can begin, you sometimes need an initial medical examination. You also need to open a bank account to which the company can transfer your salary.
  • With an apprenticeship you are automatically covered by social security. The employer pays half of your contribution.
  • If you fail an exam, you can repeat it twice.
  • If the appretniceship contract is not sufficient to secure your livelihood, you can apply for federal training allowance (BAB).