FIMA
Tailored preparation for vocational training in Germany

FIMA supports young people from Mexico, Brazil and Colombia on their path to vocational training in Germany. The project funds language courses and exams up to the A2 level and offers participants preparatory support for daily life, vocational training and the transition to Germany.

FIMA Mexiko Foto: Irving Caballo

As a model project, FIMA is testing transferable approaches that can provide impetus for the language and preparatory support of international apprentices in Germany beyond the immediate scope of the project.

The project builds on the experiences of its predecessor “Fit for the German Labour Market” and the findings of the accompanying evaluation. The results show how important early comprehensive preparation is for future trainees. FIMA is specifically refining this approach and placing even greater emphasis on the specific needs of this target group. In addition to language acquisition, this includes psychosocial support, administrative guidance and practical preparation for communicative situations in everyday training life.

A key component is the development and use of a scenario-based communication trainer. It addresses typical situations encountered during training and in everyday work life and helps participants gain greater confidence in their speaking skills.

The project also builds on existing placement and cooperation structures within the context of APAL - vocational training partnerships with schools in Asia and Latin America. The Federal Employment Agency Germany is a cooperation partner, responsible for the recruitment, placement and migration-related support of the participants.

The project will be implemented from July 2026 through December 2026 with funding from the Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration and the Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Racism.

FIMA Gruppenarbeit Foto: Antonio Mainieri

Objective

  • Provide guidance on vocational training opportunities and fair migration pathways to Germany
  • Support individuals from Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia who are interested in vocational training on their path to vocational training in Germany
  • Reach rural regions by offering online language courses
  • Promote language courses and exams up to the A2 level
  • Prepare participants linguistically for everyday life, vocational training and life in Germany
  • Facilitate the transition to Germany through counselling, guidance and support services
  • Incorporate practical communication situations from everyday vocational training into language preparation
  • Contribute to fair, transparent and sustainable migration for vocational training purposes
  • Share the project’s experiences and findings with experts and interested parties in Germany

FIMA-TN-Arbeitgeber Foto: Andreas Hieple

Offers for the participants

  • Free language courses at levels A1 and A2
  • Language exam: Acquisition of the recognised Goethe Certificate
  • Conversation practice in realistic everyday situations with the help of a communication trainer
  • Comprehensive support through psychosocial and administrative assistance until departure
  • Cultural and intercultural preparation
  • Job application training and homework assistance
  • Employment-related support provided by the Federal Employment Agency Germany and the Central Agency for Foreign and Specialized Placement (ZAV)

Frequently asked questions

Links

  • Mein Weg nach Deutschland

    Qualified preparation and support

    We offer a support programme free of charge to individuals who wish to migrate to Germany on a long-term basis for work or private reasons, which starts in your origin country and covers travel to Germany, as well as the early days after arrival. 

    People sitting and standing in front of a building © Goethe-Institut / Louisa Marie Summer © Goethe-Institut / Louisa Marie Summer

  • Web portal

    Mein Weg nach Deutschland

    Important information about living and working in Germany - with texts, videos, exercises and infographics in German (level A1 to B2) or in one of 29 other languages.

    A young smiling woman stands in front of the Brandenburg Tor in Berlin. © Alina Holtmann / Maridav © Alina Holtmann / Maridav

  • with schools in Latin America

    Vocational training partnerships (APAL)

    Many young people from Central and South America learn German as a foreign language at PASCH schools or schools supported by the Goethe-Institut as part of educational cooperation. Interest in career prospects in Germany is growing, and the demand for training in the health sector plays a special role here.

Contact

FIMA Partner © Goethe-Institut