“German vocational training enjoys an excellent international reputation. According to many experts, it is the reason for the comparatively low youth unemployment in Germany. More and more young people choose to study after school and many current educational debates revolve around the university as a place of education. However, more than half of the people still start a classic dual vocational training and the majority of the German working population did not study, but acquired a vocational qualification. ”
Source: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung – Duale Berufsausbildung
“The more than 300 dual apprenticeships in Germany offer young people individual career opportunities – and a solid livelihood.”
- The majority of 15- to 24-year-olds complete dual vocational training
- 90% of the trainees successfully complete their dual training
- 68% of trainees are taken on by their training company
- 3% of all vocational training graduates are in work
Source: BIBB – GOVET
The German dual vocational training system is based on several principles:
- Around 300 professions are defined by federal law; a degree in these professions is recognized throughout Germany.
- Vocational training generally takes place at two locations: in the training company and in the state vocational school.
- The training contract is concluded with a company and checked and confirmed by the responsible body (chamber). Vocational training is therefore subject to market events (training market). A successful application for the training position is necessary.
- Vocational training lasts between two and three and a half years.
The trainee receives a monthly training allowance.
What documents do you need for a successful application for a training position?
- School reports
- Complete and current CV
- Application letter
How can you search for an apprenticeship position?
- You should inform yourself about apprenticeships. Many instruments are available online for this.
- Sometimes it is good to do an internship before making a training decision. This will help you find out whether it is the right job for you.
- You should inform yourself about the current training market.
You should definitely get good advice and support, for example with:
Jugendmigrationsdienste
Further information
Bundesregierung – Make it in Germany
Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB) – GOVET
German Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training (GOVET)
Federal Ministry für Economic Affairs and Energy – Dual vocational training
Kultusministerkonferenz – Duale Berufsausbildung
Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (BpB) – Dual vocational education
Alliance for Initial and Further Training
Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Ausbildungswege im Überblick
Bundesagentur für Arbeit – BerufeNet
Datenreport zum Berufsbildungsbericht 2020 (Vorabversion)
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