Despite positive developments on the training market, the number of unfilled training places in Germany has risen in recent years. The Federal Government’s vocational training report (“Berufsbildungsbericht“) even confirms a new high in 2024. Due to demographic change and the increasing shortage of skilled workers, German training companies are facing major challenges. In this context, the training of foreigners from EU and non-EU countries is becoming increasingly important in order to counteract the shortage of skilled workers.
As an employer, do you have vacant training places and would like to find out about the requirements for foreign trainees and the benefits? We have summarized interesting facts.
The shortage of skilled workers in Germany affects numerous sectors. In particular, professions in the skilled trades, care and IT will be affected in the long term.
Foreign trainees offer a solution to these bottlenecks. In recent years, the number of trainees from abroad who are subject to social insurance contributions has been rising continuously. According to the Federal Employment Agency (“Bundesagentur für Arbeit“), the number will be 213,000 foreign trainees in 2023 – almost 75% of them from third countries, i.e. non-EU countries.
Datenquelle: Bundesagentur der Arbeit, 2023
What makes foreign trainees so interesting for German companies? In addition to being highly motivated to start a career in Germany, international trainees also bring cultural diversity to training companies. Companies that offer training for foreigners can benefit from these different backgrounds and experiences through new ideas and innovative solutions.
Apprenticeships for foreigners from EU and non-EU countries also offer the potential of internationalization for the company. In addition to language skills, bilingual employees also have a cultural understanding of their home countries. Both can lead to a positive expansion of international business relationships and open up new markets for the company.
• Securing skilled workers in the company
• Motivated trainees
• Cultural diversity in the company
• Fresh perspectives and innovative approaches
• Potential for internationalization.
Before a company offers training for foreigners from EU and non-EU countries, both the trainees and the training company should be aware of the relevant requirements. In particular, training companies should inform themselves about the legal requirements. It is important to know that the requirements for trainees vary depending on their country of origin.
Candidates from the EU and members of the European Free Trade Association EFTA (Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland) do not require a visa or other additional permits to complete their vocational training in Germany. This is partly due to the so-called freedom of movement within the EU.
Other international trainees, on the other hand, must have a visa. The trainee must apply for this at the responsible foreign representation in their country of origin, for example the relevant embassy.
Some of the requirements for obtaining a visa are:
People from non-EU countries face various bureaucratic hurdles, which can vary depending on their country of origin. Companies should therefore be prepared to support their trainees in these areas. Close cooperation with the local “Industrie- und Handelskammer” (IHK) and other advice centers can be helpful in facilitating the administrative process and clarifying legal issues. You can also contact the local immigration office with your trainee for matters relating to residence law.
The hurdles for people from the EU are minimal in comparison: as they do not require visas, residence permits or recognition of school-leaving qualifications, they are ideal candidates for companies as trainees.
An important aspect for people – both from the EU and third countries – is the integration of foreign trainees into the company and society. Successful integration requires an open welcoming culture in the company. Offers for linguistic and social integration, such as language courses and mentoring programs, can have a supportive effect. A good working atmosphere that promotes openness and tolerance is also crucial to facilitating integration and ensuring the success of the training.
Training foreigners, especially from the EU, is a valuable investment in the future for German companies. This is because trainees who successfully complete their training can be taken on as skilled workers. International trainees therefore offer a sustainable solution to the shortage of skilled workers. They also promote diversity and innovation and strengthen international networking. At the same time, trainees benefit from high-quality training and the chance of a successful professional future in Germany. Thanks to the free movement of workers for EU citizens, there are only a few bureaucratic hurdles for foreign trainees and companies. With the right support and integration, companies and trainees can be successful together.
At JOBSMART, you can find international trainees from the EU for your apprenticeships. We also regularly support you in the JOBSMART recruiting blog with current topics and information on all issues relating to the employment of foreign trainees and employees.
