Ausbildung Program in Germany/Vocational Training Programme

What is an Ausbildung in Germany?

Ausbildung is a German word that means vocational training or apprenticeship. Ausbildung is a unique vocational training program that significantly shapes the country’s workforce. It’s a dual education structured system where individuals receive practical, on-the-job training combined with theoretical education in a specific category or profession.  

This concept has been highly successful in preparing young people for a wide range of careers and has contributed significantly to Germany’s strong economy and low youth unemployment rates. Unlike in other countries, apprentices are paid for the Ausbildung! 

Apprentices enrolled in the dual Ausbildung system usually spend one or two days per week in the vocation school (part time school), for the remaining time they are working at the company. Alternatively, they might undergo more extended periods of training at either location before switching (block school). In the vocational school apprentices have different classes that are related to the job, for example this could be chemistry, physics, mechatronics or project management. Ausbildung courses in Germany allow students from non-EU countries to work and train in German companies as apprentices while learning a trade or profession in a training institute.

The duration of the Ausbildung program varies with every job, usually they take between Three,  and three & a half years. They finish with a final exam (Abschlussprüfung). 

Participants of Ausbildung are paid a monthly stipend by the company where they work and are trained. The allowance varies from 750 to 1350 EUR depending on the occupation you choose. In the case of the Ausbildung Nursing Program, you can earn up to 1200 EUR monthly.

Overview of Vocational Training Programs

Training Method	Dual (Theory & Practical)
Training Provider	German Companies
Program Cost	Free Program, but students pay for living costs.
Stipend	Monthly stipend (750 to 1400 EUR)
Ausbildung Duration	3 to 4 Years
Qualification Required	School Education (12th Pass with 60%)
German Language Requirement	B2 or B1 German Language Certificate

Types of Ausbildung

1. Duale Ausbildung (Dual Vocational Training Program):

• Description: Combines practical training at a company with theoretical education at a vocational school.
• Industries: Widely available across industries like IT, healthcare, retail, logistics, hospitality, nursing, pharma, chemical, gastronomy, mechatronics and Supply chain management.
• Key Features:
  • Students spend 3–4 days a week at the workplace and 1–2 days at vocational school.
  • Offers hands-on experience while learning industry standards.
  • Employers often provide a monthly stipend.
• Popular Fields:
  • Nursing
  • Mechatronics
  • Automotive Technology
  • Culinary Arts

In Germany, students can choose between vocational training or university degrees. There are many advantages to this dual system. Apprenticeships can lead to master’s degrees, which increase the responsibility and pay of graduates. However, there are several requirements for entry.

2. Schulische Ausbildung (School-Based Vocational Training):

• Description: Primarily theoretical training conducted at vocational schools with limited practical experience.
• Industries: Typically for professions in healthcare, education, and laboratory sciences.
• Key Features:
  • Full-time schooling with internships as part of the curriculum.
  • May require students to pay tuition fees (in rare cases).
• Popular Fields:
  • Physiotherapy
  • Pharmaceutical Technician
  • Early Childhood Education

3. Überbetriebliche Ausbildung (Intercompany Vocational Training):

• Description: Provides training at specialized intercompany training centers in addition to practical experience at a company.
• Industries: Found in niche technical and trade-related fields.
• Key Features:
  • Focuses on industry-specific skills not fully covered by a single company.
  • Particularly common in skilled trades like carpentry and mechanics.

4. Berufsorientierende Ausbildung (Pre-Vocational Training):

• Description: Designed for individuals who are unsure of their career path or need additional skills to qualify for a full Ausbildung program.
• Industries: General preparation for various fields.
• Key Features:
  • Typically lasts one year.
  • Includes language and professional skills training for international students.
• Popular Fields: General entry-level skills.

General Eligibility Criteria:

Educational Requirements: A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. If you are non-European, and from a country like India, you must have a 12th-grade (senior secondary) school examination pass certificate with a minimum of 60% marks. This is the minimum academic qualification required for an Ausbildung program in Germany. Those with higher level qualifications achieved after the 12th-grade school education, e.g., diploma or degree, can also apply.

Age Limit: Generally, candidates should be between 18 and 26 years old. The age limit to apply for an Ausbildung program in Germany is generally flexible, but it does vary depending on the program and the employer. Here’s an overview:

             General Age Range:

Minimum Age: 18 years (applicants must typically have completed their schooling).

Maximum Age:

• • There is no official upper age limit for most Ausbildung programs.
  • However, there is age relaxation for nursing candidates, but many employers prefer candidates under 30 years of age because they often align younger trainees with long-term employment.

               Special Cases:

  For International Applicants:

1. • Age flexibility depends on the applicant’s qualifications and readiness to meet the program’s requirements, including language skills.
   • Candidates over 30 years old may still be accepted, especially if they bring relevant prior experience or skills.

    Healthcare and Skilled Trades:

1. • Fields like nursing, elderly care, and technical trades are more open to older applicants, particularly those with previous training or work experience.

Intake Periods: Intake periods can vary depending on the training institution and employer. Some programs offer multiple intakes throughout the year, while others may have specific start dates. It’s advisable to check with the specific vocational school or company for exact intake periods.

Course Duration: The duration of an Ausbildung program in Germany typically ranges from 3 to 3.5 years, depending on the specific course and field of training. Here’s a breakdown of factors influencing the duration:

Compensation: Trainees receive a monthly stipend during their Ausbildung, which varies by industry and region. On average, stipends range from €650 to €1,400 per month. For instance, nursing trainees can earn up to €1,000 monthly.

German Language Requirements:  The language requirement for Ausbildung in Germany primarily depends on the program and the employer. However, most Ausbildung programs require a good command of German since both the vocational school and workplace operate in German.

              General Language Requirements:

Minimum Level:

1. • B1 level in German (based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR) is the standard minimum requirement.
   • Some fields, such as healthcare (nursing, elderly care) or education, may require B2 level proficiency for better interaction with clients and colleagues.

Why German is Essential:

1. • Vocational School Instruction: Theoretical knowledge is taught entirely in German.
   • Workplace Communication: Interaction with colleagues, customers, and supervisors happens in German.
   • Certification: Language skills are often evaluated as part of the final assessment for completing the Ausbildung.

Programs with Relaxed Language Requirements:

1. • For technical fields such as IT, logistics, or mechatronics, some employers might accept B1-level proficiency initially, with the expectation that the trainee will improve their German skills during the program.

Language Courses for Beginners:

1. • Many institutions and companies offer preparatory German language courses for international students who do not yet meet the language requirement.
   • These courses typically aim to bring candidates up to the required B1 or B2 level before starting the program.

              How to Prove Your German Proficiency:

Language Certificates: Most organizations accept certifications like Goethe-Zertifikat, TELC, or TestDaF.

Interviews and Tests: Some employers may conduct language tests or interviews as part of their selection process.