Build your future in Germany with vocational training in the construction industry and finishing trade. Here you will find all the important information on the prospects in this professional field.
Vocational training in the construction industry offers not only 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.
The construction industry is the literal foundation of a country and counts as one of the most meaningful branches of the German economy. Without the construction industry, there wouldn’t be any buildings or streets, and a functioning day-to-day life without them would be unimaginable.
The high value of the construction industry is reflected in numbers:
And the industry is still growing: since 2009, more than half a million people have been employed in companies whose main business lies in construction. Among these people were many skilled workers from abroad. Nowadays, the percentage of foreign skilled workers in the construction industry is 24%.
In the construction industry and finishing trade, different competencies and experts are required. Whoever is working in construction or finishing has to know how to work with materials like wood, concrete, glass, stone or steel. Aside from building construction and civil engineering, the construction industry also includes professions in (interior) finishing.
Tip: unfortunately, the following links leading to the individual professions are only available in German. We recommend using a translation tool.
Professions in demand in building construction and civil engineering:
Professions in demand in (interior) finishing:
The vocational training generally takes three years. During your vocational training, you will acquire theoretical knowledge in vocational school; at the same time, you will work in a company, in which you will practically apply your newly gained knowledge. This type of vocational training is part of the dual system, meaning that you will immediately do hands-on work, for example at a construction site, at an industrial plant or in specialized companies of the crafts.
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.
You should also know the following:
The training allowance may depend on…
For vocational training in the construction industry and finishing trade, you generally require a school-leaving certificate. For vocational training in the dual system, you do not need to have it recognised for the visa. German skills are very important for vocational training, for example for vocational school. There is also the option of completing a language course in Germany to prepare for vocational training. Learn more details on the general requirements for vocational training here.
Moreover, you should also show interest and have skills for this line of work:
Additionally, you should be physically fit and, depending on the profession, you should not have any issues with lifting heavy objects from time to time. You should also be able to work outside in any weather conditions.
Have 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 construction industry and finishing trade. Having your previous qualification recognised is not required.
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.
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?”.
Here you will find opportunities to learn German.
Are you looking for contact points for visas, language, or recognition? Use the database to find German institutions worldwide.
Vocational training in the construction industry and finishing trade offers impeccable professional prospects. The Association of the German Construction Industry (Zentralverband des Deutschen Baugewerbes) estimates that the construction industry will need more that 100,000 workers in the upcoming years to compensate for the current deficits in housing construction and the infrastructure. After successfully completing vocational training, you have good chances of concluding an employment contract with your training company, because professionally qualified skilled workers are often sought after by companies in Germany.
Depending on the profession, academic studies or a further education for the title of Bachelor Professional, Technician or Master Craftsperson (Meisterin/Meister) offers more opportunities for professional development, such as further training as a state-examined technician specialised in construction engineering. Self-employment is also an option after further training, if you wish to set up your own company.
To learn more about the options after vocational training, please refer to the “Prospects after vocational training”. On BERUFENET , you will find information on the job-specific options for further education.
After vocational training, you will be in a good financial position. Depending on the specialisation within the construction industry and finishing trade, the salary ranges vary. The Entgeltatlas (remuneration atlas) of the Federal Employment Agency (BA) provides information on this matter. For example, for concrete and reinforced concrete construction, the median gross salary per month lies at €3,306 and in scaffolding at €3,308.
The salaries are indicated as gross amounts. This means that taxes and social security contributions still have to be deducted, before knowing the net salary. You will find more information on that in the “Salary, taxes and social security” section.
This PDF provides a comprehensive overview of the German skilled crafts sector. It provides information on facts about the industry, presents a wide range of professions and explains the skilled trades regulations as well as training and further education opportunities. It explains the organisational structure of the skilled crafts sector and its economic importance in Germany. The content is available in German, English and French.
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