Are you interested in doing vocational training in Germany? You’re not from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA)? In this case, you will need a visa. You can apply for a visa at the German Embassy (or German Consulate) in your country.

Have you already completed vocational training? Many companies are looking for skilled workers. You can apply for a job. You usually need a certificate when you apply for a job. The certificate is an official document that contains information about your training or profession. Do you have certificates from your home country? Have them translated and authenticated. Your certificates may also need to be officially recognised. This will make it easier for you to get a job. For more information, read the Finding worksection.

You can do vocational training in many companies and in almost all areas. To qualify for vocational training, you generally need at least a Hauptschulabschluss, a school-leaving certificate from a Hauptschule, a lower level secondary school. However, sometimes, a Realschulabschluss (intermediate secondary school certificate) or Abitur (see the section School system) is required. It’s very difficult to get a trainee position without a school-leaving certificate. You can search for a trainee position in the same way that you would search for a job. You will also need to write an application. For more information and advice on applying for a job, read the Finding work section.

There are Vocational Information Centres (BIZ) in every city. The staff there will advise you and help you find a trainee position. You can find the BIZ through your local employment agency.

There are 2 different types of vocational training: school-based vocational training and the dual training system. School-based vocational training takes place only at a vocational school. For this you need a school-leaving certificate and sometimes additional experience, for example a work placement.

Dual vocational training is also known as in-company vocational training. In Germany, vocational training is usually part of the dual system. This combines practical on-the-job training with theoretical parts. You do the practical training with a company, and learn the theoretical aspects of your job at a vocational school. You also study general subjects such as German, politics and sport.

You do the practical training in the company. You work for 3 or 4 days a week in the company and attend vocational school for 8 to 12 hours a week. Or you spend a few weeks in the company and a few weeks at the vocational school.

After the first half of the training programme, you have to take an interim exam. Trainees (Auszubildende, or Azubis, for short) demonstrate what they have learnt. At the end of the training programme, they take a final exam. Trainees then receive a training certificate. This is important if you want to look for a job afterwards. For more information, go to the section Finding work.

A vocational training programme usually lasts between 2 and 3½ years. This depends on the profession, but also on your school-leaving certificate. If you have an Abitur, training is usually shorter. When you do a training programme, you have at least 24 days, or 4 weeks, of holiday per year. However, you can only take time off when the vocational school is closed for holidays.

There are also shorter training programmes for professions in the areas of childcare, geriatric care, catering and cosmetics. These are usually school-based vocational training programmes that last between 1 and 3½ years. Find out more at your local employment agency.