Vocational-Training

In Germany, "Ausbildung" refers to a vocational training program/apprenticeships that combines practical work experience with theoretical education. It is an essential pathway for young people to enter the workforce and is highly regarded for its structured approach.

Why South Africans should consider Vocational-Training in Germany.

  1. Mitigation of Blocked Account

    • Instead of providing proof of funds through a blocked account, if your gross monthly salary is high enough, you can instead use your work contract. 

    • The minimum gross monthly salary as of 12.2024 is 990€ (net 822€)

      • If your monthly salary is below 990€, you must put the difference between your net annual income and the 822€*12 into a blocked account.

  2. Many Open Positions Available

    • Based on the annual report of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency), in 2024 there have been 69,000 unfilled apprenticeship positions in the whole of Germany!

      • Since the National Senior Certificate allows for direct admission to German Universities, if you have the required German language level (B1-B2, any lower you may need to attend a language course before or in tandem with your Ausbildung), there is a good chance of receiving the position.

  3. Shorter & More Direct Path to a Career

    • Training takes only 2–3 years, unlike university degrees that take longer.

    • You can start working full-time immediately after graduation.

  4. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)

    • After completing your Ausbildung and working for a few years, you can apply for permanent residency in Germany.

    • Great option for those wanting to settle in Europe.

Types of Ausbildung.

Duale Ausbildung (Dual Vocational Training)

The most common type, where trainees work at a company (practical training) and attend a vocational school (Berufsschule) for theoretical learning.

Salary

Trainees receive a monthly salary (Ausbildungsvergütung) from the company.

  • You salary increases with every year.

  • The average salary for Azubis is around 750€.

Structure

The structure and organisation of practical training at the company and attending the vocational school, fully depends on what is stated on the work contract. However, these are the most common types of structures:

  • 3–4 days per week at the company and 1–2 days at school.

  • Block Structure, one week/month at the company, and one week/month at the school.

Schulische Ausbildung (School-Based Training)

Unlike the dual system, this type of training is primarily school-based, meaning students learn in the classroom full-time. Some programs might also involve part-time internships or practical placements.

Salary

Since you are at the school full-time, there is no salary associated with Schulische Ausbildung.

Structure

  • Full-time education at a vocational school (Berufsfachschule).

  • Includes internships (Praktika) but has less company involvement.

Which one should you go for?

Want to earn money while learning?

  • Duale Ausbildung

Prefer studying in a school setting?

  • Schulische Ausbilding

Looking for better job security?

  • Duale Ausbildung (higher hiring rates)

Interested in healthcare or design fields?

  • Schulische Ausbildung

Applying for Vocational-Training.

Requirements for your application:

  • School-leaving-certificate:

    • The NSC Certificate allows direct entry to universities. So to attend a Berufsschule should be no problem.

    • NOTE - Companies are not aware of the equivalency of the NSC Certificate to the Deutsche Abitur. To combat this send this document from Anabin (find it here) with your application to the company. This document explains and highlights the equivalency.

  • Basic German language skills:

    • Usually B1-B2 is required.

  • Some programs require a proof of internship or entrance exam.

How to Apply:

  1. Search for opportunities on portals like Azubi.de, Ausbildung.de, Bundesagentur für Arbeit, or company websites.

  2. Prepare a resume (Lebenslauf) and cover letter (Anschreiben) in German!

    • Remember, you are approaching German companies and will be doing your entire Ausbildung in German. So by showing your commitment and command of the German language, by doing your entire application (including interviews if applicable) in German, speaks volumes as a foreigner.

  3. Apply directly to companies offering Ausbildung positions.

  4. If selected, sign an Ausbildungsvertrag (Training Contract) with the employer.