Undergoing vocational training in Germany

Find out how you can learn a profession in Germany and which steps you need to take.

What is vocational training?

In Germany, you learn some professions directly in a company and at a vocational school, with alternating practical and theoretical courses. This system is known as “dual vocational training”.

Structure

The practical parts take place in a company. This is the "training company". This is where you learn the practical skills required for the profession.

The theoretical parts take place in a specialised school. This is the "vocational school". This is where the necessary specialised knowledge is taught.

A vocational training programme in Germany begins at fixed times in autumn or spring. The exact date depends on the profession and region. Therefore, please inform yourself in good time.

Duration and payment

The duration of a vocational training programme depends on the profession. Vocational training can last between 2 and 3.5 years and ends with a final examination.

While undergoing vocational training, you receive a payment (“training allowance”) from the training company. This increases from year to year. The amount depends on the profession..

Wichtig:Important: In Germany, it is mainly young people who undergo vocational training after leaving school.

The most important steps towards vocational training

Choose a profession that requires vocational training

In Germany, there are over 300 professions that require vocational training. First, decide for which profession you would like to undergo vocational training.

You can find out which professions are currently in particularly high demand on the website Make it in Germany: Training profiles at a glance. 

You can gain insights into many professions on the YouTube channel of the Federal Employment Agency. You can also display subtitles in your language there.

BERUFE.TV on YouTube

Tipp:Tip: The profession should match your interests and skills. If possible, complete an internship in your home country first.

Prove your German language skills

Lessons at the vocational school are held in German; therefore, you need good German language skills. 
If you require a visa for your vocational training, you generally need German language skills at level B1.

For more information, visit the website How well do I need to know German?

Have your school-leaving qualification recognised

You must have your school-leaving qualification recognised in Germany. You must present the relevant certificate to the vocational school. This will incur costs.

To find out where you can have your school-leaving qualification recognised, visit the website anabin: Anerkennungs- und Beratungsstellen in Deutschland (only in German).

You can find out how to do this in the Instructions for finding the institution responsible for recognising school certificates in Germany.

Find a vocational training position in Germany

You apply directly to a company. Many large and small companies in Germany offer such positions.

The Federal Employment Agency can support you in your search for a vocational training position.

We support you

Who needs to apply for a visa?

If you are not from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you typically need a visa.

Requirements for the visa include:

  • You have been accepted for a vocational training programme in Germany.
  • You have the necessary German language skills.
  • Your livelihood in Germany is secured.

For more information, visit the website Make it in Germany: Visa for vocational training.

Wichtig:Important: You must be able to finance your living expenses for the entire duration of your vocational training. The payment you receive during your training may be taken into account. However, this is often not enough. Therefore, you need to have savings that you can use for housing, food and so on. You must provide proof of this for the visa.

We support you

The Federal Employment Agency helps you find a vocational training programme in Germany.

We can help you with questions such as:

  • Where can I learn a particular profession?
  • Which companies offer vocational training programmes?
  • What documents do I need for the application?

As a government agency, the Federal Employment Agency is in contact with employers throughout Germany. It knows the current market for vocational trainings and provides you with reliable information about your opportunities in Germany. All services provided by the Federal Employment Agency are free of charge.

Contact

Answers to frequently asked questions

Vocational training is aimed at people who do not yet have any professional experience or who would like to learn a new profession.

If you already work in a certain profession, you can also search for a job directly. For more information, visit the website What kind of labour is Germany looking for?

It may take some time before you find a vocational training position. The following tips will help you to improve your chances of being accepted:

  • Apply to several companies at the same time. This increases your chances of getting a quick response.
  • Send customised applications and familiarise yourself with the company you apply to beforehand.
  • Be regionally flexible: Search for a vocational training position in different cities and federal states.
  • Complete an internship beforehand. This will show your interest in the profession that requires vocational training.
  • Try to acquire good German language skills while you are still in your home country.

If you can’t decide which kind of vocational training is best for you, we’d be happy to help.

Contact us for personalized advice. You can find more information on our career guidance page (available in German only).