Vocational Schools for international students in Germany

Due to its integration of theory in the classroom with training in a real-world workplace, Germany’s dual system of vocational education and training is well known across the world, hence the need to talk about the best vocational schools in Germany.

The German educational system is firmly entrenched in the dual system. The primary feature of the dual system is collaboration between primarily small and medium sized businesses and publicly supported vocational schools in Germany. 

Law governs this collaboration. In the dual system, trainees normally split their week between a vocational school and a workplace, though they may spend longer periods at each location before switching. Two to three and a half years are typically required for dual training.

This close partnership between the Federal Government, the federal states (the “Länder”), and businesses was established by the Vocational Training Act of 1969, which was amended in 2020.

This had the goal of giving young people training in nationally recognized occupations that is then documented in accordance with means of a certificate issued by a competent body, such as a chamber of crafts and trades or of industry and commerce.

What Is Vocational Training in Germany?

Apprenticeships, also known as vocational training, are a highly common way to begin working straight after school. Due to the dual system, when students work and study at the same time, this occurs. The curriculum was created for non-academic careers. It is also called Ausbildung.  You can read about Ausbildung and how to apply if you want. In a dual system, individuals work between 50 and 70 percent of the time, and the remaining time is spent learning. The vocational schools in Germany gives them experience and on-the-job training in this way.

Depending on their occupation, trainees may spend three to four days a week working for the business, factory, firm, or shop while also attending Berufsschule (professional school). Typically, this is true of trade and craft jobs. Block systems are used in other professions, such as nursing, where 1-2 months of classroom learning are followed by the same period of practice.

Typically, the program lasts between two and three years. Skilled workers can remain employed by the company after receiving their qualification, pursue additional education (such as becoming master craftsmen or attending university), start their own business, or relocate back to their native country to find employment.

Nurses, bakers, merchants, electricians, ambulance personnel, doctor assistants, plumbers, masons, painters, hairdressers, and certain craftspeople hold the most prevalent occupations. However, practically all areas and sectors have an Ausbildung profession in Germany. In industrialized nations, nursing is particularly in demand and is one of the most in-demand vocations today. Germany has always welcomed non-Europeans who choose to seek vocational training in Germany and then find employment there.

Moving to Germany to look for a vocational training

You are free to travel to Germany in search of a location for vocational training. Get to know your future employer and school in person instead of conducting a Skype interview. You are also allowed to work up to ten hours per week during this time.

Conditions for an apprenticeship-related visa application :

• school-leaving certificate
• German B1 proficiency level
• age limit of 25
• Financial justification of 600–700 EUR per month
• health protection
• Accommodation
• After being accepted into a vocational school, you can apply for a visa from Germany for an apprenticeship.

Advantages of Vocational Training in Germany 

Vocational training in Germany has several advantages over academic study. The largest one is certainly the ability to work and study at the same time.

Additionally, unlike educational programs where you must have 10,000 EUR in your bank account, visa applications do not need you to demonstrate your financial stability.

Vocational training in Germany has additional benefits, including:

Learn while working – the curriculum combines theoretical and practical components, allowing trainees to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the position and advance their careers.

Financial independence means becoming free from parental support for living expenditures and educational costs. They have sufficient funds to cover their expenses.

Career options offer a simple path to employment immediately following training.

Berlin, Germany’s Top Vocational & Technical Schools

• HTW Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft
• Berlin Medical Academy
• Bba – Akademie der Immobilienwirtschaft
• PC-COLLEGE Training GmbH
• The English Workshop
• Elinor-Ostrom-Schule
• Berliner Berufsfachschule für Kosmetikerinnen
• Campus Berufsbildung e. V.
• BSP Business School Berlin
• itw Institut für Aus und Weiterbildung

Application and Requirements for vocational training in Germany

You must fulfill specific prerequisite to be admitted to a vocational school.

• Your application needs to be convincing, written in German, and addressed directly to the requested school. A year before the start of a program, businesses frequently begin recruiting trainees.
• Your application must be supported by a curriculum vitae, a motivational letter, and certificates. The motivation letter is crucial, and it must highlight why you wish to pursue this career path at the chosen institution and employer.
• You will then be invited to the interview, either in person or over the phone or Skype. You might be required to work a trial shift or complete an internship by the business. You can do this by requesting a job seeker visa (see new immigration law).
• Fortunately, unlike programs for higher education, apprenticeship has extremely minimal admission requirements in terms of qualifications for vocational training in Germany.
• The first and most crucial requirement is that you must speak German well in order to apply for and complete an apprenticeship in Germany. German is the language used for instruction and labor. There isn’t an official apprenticeship program offered in English in Germany as of yet.
• Although there is no upper age limit, the minimum age is 17. You must successfully finish 10 school levels to receive a degree.
• You can apply for a visa at the German embassy in your country once you have received the contract from the school or business.

An overview of the conditions for vocational training in Germany

• Language proficiency in German at least at level B1
• A diploma that is similar to the German matriculation (10 school levels)

Requirements for an Apprenticeship Visa to Germany

• The prerequisites for your apprenticeship visa are equally important to meeting as those for admission. In the end, a visa is required to enter Germany.
• In the event that you are already in Germany, you can apply for a visa at the immigration office there. Visa applicants must fulfill the following requirements in order to be accepted:

1. have discovered a position for vocational training with a German company
2. possess financial documentation proving you can afford to live in Germany
3. Obtain approval from the German Federal Employment Agency* Financial documentation can be presented in a variety of methods; typically, your wage throughout your training must be sufficient; as a result, you can display your employment contract.
4. If the sum is too low, you should have enough money in your bank account to cover your monthly expenses of at least 600–700 EUR.

*The German Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) will determine whether the employment is open to applicants from Germany or other privileged nations (such as an EU member state).

Candidates are excused from this requirement if they have a school-leaving certificate from a German institution.

Trainees are allowed to engage in extra jobs outside of vocational training for a maximum of 10 hours per week to meet all living expenses.

What are the best vocational training courses that you can pursue in Germany?

Vocational training is increasingly popular, and for good reason. If you’ve been considering one, continue reading. We have all you need to know about these courses covered.

List of vocational courses to study in Germany

Since it would be extremely lengthy to list every single great vocational course, that is not possible. Also, depending on your area and the institution you select, the course names and specifics of their curriculum may vary significantly. 

Therefore, we have tried our best to keep things generic and provide you with a complete picture of the courses that are offered.

Here are some of the best career training programs without further ado:

• A craftsman

This program, often known as general mechanic, contractor, or handyman, provides training in a variety of areas. These include carpentry, plumbing, house remodeling, and tool use. 

With this program, you will be certified and prepared to work as a general tradesman, performing various maintenance tasks, making furniture, and other comparable crafts. Plumbing services, home remodelling, and self-employment are just a few of the career options accessible. 

A mechanical technician diploma, an electrician certification, and other credentials are all available with comparable courses.

• Hospitality

A bachelor’s degree in hotel management will cover all the duties over a number of years because the hospitality industry encompasses many different industries under one umbrella term.

You can, however, choose to forego the extended period and instead enroll in specialized degrees or vocational courses in a variety of fields, including catering management, beverage and food service, cooking, hospitality, confectionery and baking, housekeeping, and many other things. 

These certificates last less time and usually cost less than a full degree because they only cover one subject. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and catering businesses are just a few places you can work. Moreover, taking this course will help you run your hotel business.

• Airline hostess

Budget airlines are to blame for the global boom in air travel. As a result, there is a growing demand for flight attendants to handle the surge in travel. 

Flight attendant training is provided by numerous airlines and educational institutions. There are benefits to working as a flight attendant, such as numerous travel opportunities, exclusive privileges, and significant pay prospects. 

Additionally, the cost of your training might be paid for by some airlines as part of your pay.

• Internet marketing

There are several courses that are offered that cover a variety of topics, from technical web development and design training to general marketing degrees and specialized SEO certificate programs. 

Depending on your preferences and ability level, you can choose to take training in a general digital marketing course or something more specialised.

• Production of digital media

This broad topic includes technical programs in design, 2D and 3D animation, game development, user interface design, and related areas. Though more suitable to those with a creative bent, anyone can choose to enroll in this type of specialized training. 

You gain knowledge of the technical components of your subject as well as the software and design ideas through these courses.

• Additional Artistic Courses

Additionally, you have the choice of taking classes in jewelry creation, cosmetics & makeup, fashion, photography, and more. Some of these programs may cost the same as a bachelor’s degree and some may last up to three years. 

The practical expertise and hands-on instruction provided by these vocational programs, however, can assist you in breaking into the field.

• Expert in Language

People who speak two or more languages fluently should enroll in this type of practical course. This typically means that you must be a natural speaker of one language or possess a bachelor’s degree. 

In a foreign country, many businesses and even government organizations employ local staff members as well as translators, interpreters, and teachers of other languages.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of programs for getting a job. They range from diplomas in nutrition and medical lab technology to those in tourism management and office support. You can select a course based on your interests and ambitions.

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