Would you like to know more about the topic of vocational training. Here, you will receive basic information on the different types of vocational training in Germany.
Dual training combines theory with practice: You learn the theoretical basics of your industry in vocational school. In the company, you put your knowledge to practice.
One way of training for your future occupation in Germany is by pursuing a dual vocational training programme. Such programmes offer plenty of opportunities for on-the-job training and work experience. Programmes usually last between two and three and a half years and consist of theoretical as well as practical elements. You will spend one or two days a week, or several weeks at once, at vocational school (Berufsschule) where you will acquire the theoretical knowledge needed in your future occupation. The rest of the time will be spent at a company, where you get to apply your newly acquired knowledge in practice, for example by learning to operate machinery. You will get to know what your company does, learn how it operates, and find out if you can see yourself working there after completing your training.
The combination of theory and practice gives you a head start for your job: by the time you have completed your training, you will not only have the required technical knowledge, but you will also have hands-on experience in your job. There are around 325 officially recognised training programmes in Germany, so there is a good chance that one of them might suit your interests and talents. You can find out which one that might be by visiting one of the job and vocational training fairs in many German cities at different times during the year. Information on when and where the fairs take place can be found on the Planet Beruf website.
Employment prospects for students who have completed a dual vocational training programme are excellent. This is one of the reasons why this kind of training is very popular amongst young Germans: around two thirds of all students leaving school go on to start vocational.
In Germany, students pursuing a vocational training programme receive a monthly salary from the company they work for. On average a trainee has a gross income of around €1,028.00. Depending on the occupation and region, your salary may be higher or lower. For example, during the first year of the apprenticeship, mechatronics engineering trainees may have a gross income of up to €1,154.00 per month. The salary you receive as a trainee increases with each year of training you complete. Part of your salary will be deducted for social security contributions. If you earn more than €10,908 per year, your income will be subject to income tax. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung – BIBB) has published a report on occupations and the respective salaries you receive as a trainee.
Dual training programmes usually start on the 1st of August or the 1st of September each year. They consist of on-the-job training at a company and classes at a vocational school (Berufsschule). Classes may include German, English and Social Studies. Around two thirds of the classes specifically focus on subjects that are important for your future occupation. During your training programme, you are entitled to at least 24 business days or four weeks of annual leave. However, you may only take your leave during school holidays.
Your teachers, instructors and colleagues will give you all the support you need during your programme. After the first half of your training programme, you will take an examination to assess what you have learned at school and how you have been able to apply this knowledge at your company. You will also take final exams at the end of your training. As a rule, exams are in German. If you pass your final exams, you have a good chance of starting a successful career in Germany.
Learn your job under professional guidance. Some vocational trainings can be completed in vocational schools or universities.
School-based vocational training differs from dual training in that you will spend less time training at a company. You will learn the theory and practice of your future occupation at a vocational school, called either Berufsfachschule or Berufskolleg. This will be complemented by extended periods of on-the-job training at a company or social institution where you can apply the knowledge you acquired at school. This form of vocational training is very common in nursing, in the design/creative industry, and in the fields of business and engineering.
School-based vocational training usually takes one to three years to complete. It is offered by state and private schools. Private schools often charge fees. In contrast to dual training programmes, you will not receive a salary during school-based vocational training. The only exception is healthcare/nursing where trainees will work in hospitals or nursing homes for extended periods of on-the-job training. These trainees will receive a salary for the entire course of their training programme. For example: as a trainee nurse you will receive a gross salary of €1,191 per month in your first year, €1,252 in your second year, and €1,353 in your third year.
Further information on the requirements for starting school-based vocational training in Germany is available in the “Do I qualify for a vocational training in Germany?” section.
A dual vocational degree (ausbildungsintegriertes duales Studium) is a special form of degree programme. It combines studies at a higher education institution such as a university or a university of cooperative educationwith on-the-job training at a company. This means that you will obtain both a degree and a recognised professional qualification. This kind of integrated dual degree course is particularly common in the areas of business and engineering (e.g. business studies, mechanical engineering or IT).
In contrast to regular university degree programmes, dual vocational degrees do not primarily focus on academic studies. In addition to the theory that is taught at a higher education institution or university of cooperative education, students also undergo on-the-job training at a company. This provides them with the necessary work experience that opens up excellent career opportunities. Moreover, students receive a salary like any other trainee during the time they work for their company.
Dual vocational degree programmes usually take three to five years to complete. In most cases, the vocational part is limited to two years to make sure that there is enough time for the academic part. You can only participate in this kind of degree course if you have the required entrance qualification for German universities. The first step is to apply at a company that will be responsible for your practical training. After that, you enrol in a degree course at the university your company cooperates with.
A list of dual vocational degree courses including companies that offer traineeships is available on the “Ausbildung Plus” portal. Please make sure to apply in good time, as the offered degree courses tend to be very popular.
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