Vocational training in the construction industry and finishing trade in Germany

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:

• Building construction worker specialising in concrete and reinforced concrete work
• Scaffolder

Professions in demand in (interior) finishing:

• Glazier
• Painter and varnisher
• Mason
• Stuccoist

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.

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:

• Practical skills / deftness
• Enthusiasm for crafts and engineering
• Ability of spatial thinking
• Precise and diligent work
• Clear and comprehensible communication (in writing and vocally, depending on the job)
• Team spirit

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.

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.

Salary after vocational training

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.