Start Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany: Learn a profession while earning money

Are you a “learning by doing” type of person? Do you want to combine work and study?  German companies are offering free vocational training (Ausbildung) for over 350 professions, while also paying you a monthly salary.  Also called “Berufsausbildung” or “Duale Berufsausbildung”, this type of apprenticeship is welcoming tenth of thousands of students each year, many of them EU citizens or non-EU foreigners. According to Deustche Industrie und Handlungskammer (Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce) 40 percent of German companies have had foreign working students before. 

All the companies using JOBSMART are specifically looking to hire EU citizens, either as working students (Azubis) or full-time employees. 

• Vocational training programs usually last between 2 to 3.5 years, depending on the profession and the trainee’s educational background. 

• Upon completion, trainees receive a recognized qualification after passing a final exam administered by a relevant chamber (e.g., Chamber of Industry and Commerce). 

• Berufsausbildung covers a wide range of fields, including logistics, commerce, gastronomy, hotel industry, crafts and construction. 

• Trainees are paid a monthly salary (Ausbildungsvergütung) by their employer, which increases each year. Depending on the specific field of study, the monthly salary each student receives is ranging from 750 to 1100 euro.  

Example: Vocational training as a Cook (Koch Ausbildung) 

You will work in a professional kitchen, learning essential skills such as food preparation, cooking techniques, menu planning, and kitchen management. This hands-on experience constitutes about 60-70% of your training. 

The remaining 30-40% involves attending a vocational school (Berufsschule), where you’ll study subjects like nutrition, hygiene, cost calculation, and food science. Classes are typically held a few days a week or in blocks of several weeks. 

Don’t forget the best thing about vocational training, you get paid each month! 

Salary: 

• 1st Year: €750 – €850 per month 

• 2nd Year: €850 – €950 per month 

• 3rd Year: €950 – €1,050 per month 

Register at JOBSMART now and find a restaurant or an institution to start your Ausbildung.  

Key requirements EU citizens need to satisfy to start an Ausbildung in Germany

Residency and Work Permits 

• Freedom of Movement: EU citizens do not need a visa or work permit to live and work in Germany. They are allowed to move to Germany, reside, and start an Ausbildung without any additional bureaucratic hurdles related to residency. 

Language Proficiency 

• German Language Skills: While there is no official language test requirement, having a good command of German is essential since most vocational schools and training companies conduct their programs in German. A B1 to B2 level of proficiency in German is typically recommended. Some training programs might require a higher level of proficiency. 

Educational Qualifications 

• School Leaving Certificate: You need to have completed your school education. The German education system requires a certain level of school education, which can vary depending on the specific training program. Typically, a secondary school certificate (Hauptschulabschluss or Realschulabschluss) is sufficient for many vocational training programs. 

• Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: If you have a school leaving certificate from another EU country, you may need to have it recognized as equivalent to the German certificate. The German office for the recognition of foreign qualifications (Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle) can help with this process. 

Application Process 

• Finding a Training Position: You need to apply for and secure a training contract with a company that offers vocational training (Ausbildungsplatz). This involves researching companies, submitting applications, and attending interviews. The German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) offers extensive information on various training professions. As for the companies, you will find plenty of those on JOBSMART. 

• Application Documents: Prepare a CV (Lebenslauf), a cover letter (Anschreiben), and copies of your school certificates (Zeugnisse). Having some additional qualifications or prior work experience related to the field can be advantageous. 

Find a promising field for your Ausbildung  

Here are some of the most promising fields to consider for Ausbildung based on current trends and future outlooks: 

All in all,ocational Training or Ausbildung  is highly valued in Germany for its ability to produce well-trained professionals who are ready to meet the demands of the job market. They represent a pragmatic approach to education, emphasizing the importance of combining theoretical learning with practical application. 

Ready to start your Ausbildung journey? Register at JOBSMART today and connect with top companies and institutions waiting for you!