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Construction industry and finishing trade
example at a construction site, at an industrial plant or in specialized companies of the crafts. How much do I earn during vocational training? During your vocational training, you will earn a training allowance from the training company. Here you will find a rough estimate of how much you will earn during vocational training in the construction industry and finishing trade. Concrete and reinforced concrete building: €1,080 € – €1,550 € per month gross income Scaffolding: €1,050 – €1,515 per month [...] multi-faceted and exciting professions, but also a promising professional career in Germany. Regardless of whether you are interested in working as a building construction worker specialising in (reinforced) concrete work or as a mason, there are varying options for vocational training, and they offer a solid basis for a successful career. Good to know: the construction industry and finishing trade The construction industry is the literal foundation of a country and counts as one of the most meaningful [...] month gross income Glazing: €682 – €1,050 per month gross income Stucco molding: €1,080 – €1,550 per month gross income Painting and varnishing: €800 – €1,550 per month gross income Masonry: €1,080 – €1,550 per month gross income You should also know the following: You have to pay social security contributions from your gross income, for example for statutory heal insurance, pension insurance and unemployment insurance. These contributions are deducted automatically, before you receive your net income
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Hotel and gastronomy industry
profession “specialist for gastronomy” had a foreign nationality (in 2023). 1.1 million people had a secure job (subject to social security contributions) in the hospitality industry in Germany in 2024. In-demand vocational training professions in the gastronomy and hotel industry The most important professions in the dual vocational training system are the following (unfortunately, the following links are only available in German. We recommend using a translation tool) : Specialist for gastronomy [...] during vocational training? During vocational training, you will be remunerated via a training allowance from the training company. Here is a rough estimate of how much you earn during vocational training in the hotel and gastronomy industry: Specialist for gastronomy: €750 – €1,000 per month (gross income) Specialist for restaurants and event catering: €850 – €1,200 per month (gross income) Hotel management clerk: €850 – €1,200 per month (gross income) You should also know the following: You have to pay [...] unemployment insurance. These contributions are deducted automatically, before you receive your net income in your bank account. During vocational training, you only pay income tax if you have a higher gross income than €1,385 per month (in tax bracket I; as of 2025). In this sector, working in shifts is a possibility, however, this is generally remunerated by bonuses. Receiving tips is also possible, for example when working in restaurants. What are determining factors for the training allowance
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Nursing Professional
place in a hospital, care facility or outpatient nursing service and is more extensive than the theoretical part, which takes place in a nursing school. In addition, practical training is provided in specialised institutions, i.e. in a children's hospital, in a psychiatric hospital, in counselling centres or hospices. Full-time vocational training ends after three years (part-time after five years) with a state examination . Remuneration corresponding to years of vocational training 1st year €1,341 2nd [...] aptitude : You will need to provide a certificate proving that you are physically and mentally fit to work as a nursing assistant. This can be a certificate from your country of origin or a medical certificate issued in Germany. Reliability : To prove your trustworthiness, you need proof that you have no criminal record. Depending on your situation, it is sufficient to provide a certificate of good conduct from your country of origin, a certificate of good standing or a German certificate of conduct ( [...] requirements School requirements: You will need a certificate of intermediate education. Sufficient knowledge of German: Depending on the federal state , you need German language skills at level B1 or B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) . Physical aptitude: You will need to provide a certificate proving that you are physically and mentally fit to work as a nurse. This can be a certificate from your country of origin or a medical certificate issued in Germany.
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Electronic and metal industry
training, you will earn a training allowance from the training company. The allowance increases every year until you complete your vocational training. Depending on the specialisation, the training allowance varies. Here is an exemplary list of training allowances during the first training year. Electronics with a specialisation in automation and system technology: €700 – €1,300 per month (gross income) Plant mechanics for sanitary, heating and air conditioning systems: €682 – €1,010 per month (gross [...] the metal and electronic industry: €1,206 – €1,338 per month (gross income) You should also know the following: You have to pay social security contributions from your gross income, for example for statutory heal insurance, pension insurance and unemployment insurance. These contributions are deducted automatically, before you receive your net income in your bank account. During vocational training, you only pay income tax if you have a higher gross income than €1,385 per month (in tax bracket I; as [...] you already learned or worked in a profession, or do you have an academic degree? No problem! You can additionally complete vocational training. It can even be an advantage, if your previous experience is related to the vocational training in the construction industry and finishing trade. Having your previous qualification recognised is not required. Do I need a visa? In the "Visa" section, you will find out who needs a visa and what you need in order to obtain a visa for completing vocational training
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Trading and sales
the "Visa" section, you will find out who needs a visa and what you need in order to obtain a visa for completing vocational training and for searching for a training position. How do I find a vocational training position? For tips on searching for a training position as well as various websites with available training opportunities, visit the page “How do I find a vocational training position?”. How do I learn German? Here you will find opportunities to learn German. Find contact persons worldwide [...] shops and pharmacies How much do I earn during vocational training? During vocational training, you earn a training allowance from the company. Here is a rough estimate for the first training year: Sales assistant: about €900 – €1,080 per month gross income Salesperson specialising in foodstuffs: about €900 – €1,080 per month gross income Management assistant for retail services: about €900 – €1,080 per month gross income You should also know the following: You have to pay social security contributions [...] training in trading and sales in Germany Would you like to learn a profession which is connected to a lot of customer contact and selling products? That is just what Vocational training and in trading and sales offers! Vocational training in trading and sales offers you the opportunity to work directly with customers, present products and get to know the processes within a company. Learn about the professions in this sector and find a suitable vocational training position! Good to know: trading and
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Foodstuffs
practical experience in a company, and you go to vocational school at the same time. Here is a list of common employers: Bakeries and patisseries Butchers Breweries Food production companies How much do I earn during vocational training? During vocational training, you earn a training allowance from your training company. The exact amount depends on the profession, the federal state and the company. Here is a rough estimate for the first training year: Baker: about €821 – €1,233 per month (gross income) [...] € – €1,100 per month (gross income) Brewer and maltster: about €782 € – €1,200 per month (gross income) You should also know the following: You have to pay social security contributions from your gross income, for example for statutory heal insurance, pension insurance and unemployment insurance. These contributions are deducted automatically, before you receive your net income in your bank account During vocational training, you only pay income tax if you have a higher gross income than €1,385 per [...] Vocational training in foodstuffs in Germany Would you like to learn a profession, which is a hands-on craft and where you produce high-quality foods? Vocational training in foodstuffs offers just that! Vocational training in foodstuffs offers you the opportunity to work in traditional craftsmanship and learn innovative techniques at the same time. Learn more about the professions in the sector and find a suitable place for vocational training! Good to know: foodstuffs in Germany The foodstuffs sector
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What is vocational training?
your desired time to start and your desired sector. Do I need a visa? In the "Visa" section, you will find out who needs a visa and what you need in order to obtain a visa for completing vocational training and for searching for a training position. How do I find a vocational training position? For tips on searching for a training position as well as various websites with available training opportunities, visit the page “How do I find a vocational training position?”. How do I learn German? Here you [...] vocational training ends with a final examination. To be admitted to the examination, you must be able to provide a report portfolio . A report portfolio documents the course of your vocational training in terms of content and the acquired knowledge and skills. This guarantees that the content of the vocational training was mediated according to the framework curriculum. As a rule, the examinations are in German. If you pass successfully, you have a good chance of a career in the German economy [...] extended practical phases in hospitals or nursing homes and receive compensation throughout the entire training. For example, as a healthcare and nursing professional, you earn 1,341 euros gross per month in the first year of training and 1,503 euros gross in the final year. Dual studies in Germany Dual studies combine practical experience in a company and studying at a university. The advantage of dual studies is the acquisition of two qualifications after completion: one from the university and
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Medical, orthopaedic and rehabilitation technology
I earn during vocational training? During dual vocational training, you will be remunerated via a training allowance paid by the training company. Here is a rough estimate of how much you earn during vocational training in medical and rehabilitation technology. Optician: €682 – €1,100 per month (gross income) Hearing aid audiologist: €682 – €1,340 per month (gross income) Dental technician: €682 – €1,155 per month (gross income) You should also know the following: You have to pay social security [...] or worked in a profession, or do you have an academic degree? No problem! You can additionally complete vocational training. It can even be an advantage if your previous experience is related to medical, orthopaedic and rehabilitation technology. Having your previous qualification recognised is not required. Do I need a visa? In the "Visa" section, you will find out who needs a visa and what you need in order to obtain a visa for completing vocational training and for searching for a training position [...] training, you have a good chance of concluding an employment contract with your training company. Even as a trained skilled worker , there are numerous opportunities for further education and career development, for example, acquiring the title of Bachelor Professional (depending on the profession, as Meisterin/Meister for the profession of orthopaedic technologist or Meister/Meisterin for the profession of hearing aid audiologist , amongst other options). You could also become a manager of a technical team
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Transport and logistics
In the "Visa" section, you will find out who needs a visa and what you need in order to obtain a visa for completing vocational training and for searching for a training position. How do I find a vocational training position? For tips on searching for a training position as well as various websites with available training opportunities, visit the page “How do I find a vocational training position?”. How do I learn German? Here you will find opportunities to learn German. Prospects after vocational [...] vocational training? During dual vocational training, you will be remunerated via a training allowance paid by the training company. Here you will find a rough estimate of how much you will earn during vocational training in the transport and logistics industry. Driver: €682 – €1,305 per month (gross income) Skilled transport employee: about €682 – €1,314 per month (gross income) Warehouse logistics operator: about €682 – €1,370 per month (gross income) You should also know the following: You have to [...] an ideal way of entry; especially for those interested in a varied occupation, in which organisation, planning and communication play a crucial role. Whoever likes to get behind the wheel will discover what they are looking for. Find out about professional options in the sector now and find a place for vocational training suitable for you. Good to know: transport and logistics in Germany Germany is located in the centre of Europe and has a very well-developed infrastructure by global standards. T
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Requirements for vocational training
will find a range of online learning offers. A language course in preparation of the vocational training is also an option. Visa Nationals of the EU, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland For entering Germany and for starting vocational training, you do not require a visa. If you wish to live in Germany, you must register your address at a resident’s registration office or a municipal office. Please click here to find out how to do this. Nationals of other countries If you are from a non-EU [...] be met. A good source for this purpose is the BERUFENET webpage. This is how the recognition of school-leaving qualifications works The certificate recognition bodies of the 16 federal states are responsible for the recognition of school-leaving qualifications. Therefore, you need to have a registered address in Germany or a concrete confirmation for a vocational training place prior to initiating the recognition process. Only then will your application be accepted by the authority. Step 1 Finding [...] your school-leaving qualification is equivalent to a German qualification, you will receive a written confirmation. Language skills If you would like to apply for vocational training in Germany, German language skills are indispensable, because in companies, vocational schools and specialized schools where German is spoken, examinations will also take place in German. As a rule, you should be able to provide evidence of skills at a minimum level of B1. But the higher the German level, the easier it
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