What is vocational training?

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 vocational training.

The combination of theory and practice gives you a head start for your job: by the time you have completed your vocational training, you will not only have the required technical knowledge, but you will also have hands-on experience in your job. There are 328 officially recognised vocational 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 vocational training is very popular amongst young Germans: around two thirds of all students leaving school go on to start vocational. Here you can find further information on the requirements for starting vocational training in Germany.

School-based vocational training

School-based vocational training differs from dual vocational 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 vocational 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 vocational training programme. For example: as a trainee nurse you will receive a gross salary of €1,341 per month in your first year, €1,402 in your second year, and €1,503 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 vocational training in Germany?” section.

Dual vocational degrees

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 education with on-the-job training at a company. This means that you will obtain both a degree and a recognised non-academic vocational 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.