Ausbildung Courses in Germany: The Smart Way to Build a Career in 2025–26
June 30, 2025Ausbildung Courses in Germany: The Smart Way to Build a Career in 2025–26
June 30, 2025
Are you thinking about pursuing vocational training in Germany? Whether you’re just starting to explore your career options or want to know more about how vocational education works here, this guide will provide you with all the essential information about vocational training meaning and the different pathways available.
What is Vocational Training?
Vocational training in Germany is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for a specific profession. The goal is to gain a recognized professional qualification that prepares you for the job market. There are different types of vocational training, including school-based training, the popular dual system, and dual studies — each suited to different career paths and industries.
Why Choose Vocational Training in Germany?
Vocational program in Germany offers great career prospects. Many companies urgently need skilled workers, so completing vocational training opens doors to employment opportunities. Thanks to the dual system, apprentices get valuable hands-on experience by working directly in companies alongside theoretical lessons. Often, successful trainees receive permanent job offers from their training companies, providing a solid start for motivated young professionals.
Understanding Dual Vocational Training
Dual vocational training is unique to Germany and involves alternating between learning at a vocational school and working in a company. Usually lasting two to three years, apprentices spend part of their week in school gaining theoretical knowledge and the rest gaining practical experience on the job. This hands-on approach allows you to apply what you learn in real-world situations immediately.
The training typically starts in August or September. During this time, apprentices study subjects such as German, English, and Social Sciences, along with profession-specific courses. You’re entitled to paid leave, usually during school holidays.
Examinations take place midway and at the end of the training period. To qualify for these exams, apprentices maintain a report portfolio documenting their progress and skills learned. Passing the final exam is crucial for obtaining the professional qualification in vocational training in Germany.
Earnings During Dual Training
Apprentices receive a monthly salary from their training company. As of 2025, the minimum gross salary starts at around 682 euros per month in the first year and can increase up to 1,200 euros depending on the profession. Salaries generally rise each year, reaching between 921 and 955 euros by the third year. Note that part of your salary goes towards social security and, if you earn over a certain amount annually, taxes may apply.
How is Dual Training Organised?
- Vocational Schools: Provide theoretical education on weekdays.
- Companies: Offer practical training and on-the-job experience with mentors guiding apprentices.
- Chambers: Regional chambers supervise the training process, ensuring contracts comply with legal standards and organizing exams. For commercial and technical professions, the Chambers of Industry and Commerce are responsible, while Chambers of Crafts supervise craft professions.
Training regulations legally define the curriculum, skills to be acquired, and examination requirements, ensuring uniform standards across Germany’s vocational training programs.
School-Based Vocational Training
Some professions are taught entirely in vocational schools without alternating company training. These programs, common in social work, healthcare, and education, usually last from one to three years and include internships for practical experience.
Unlike dual vocational training, school-based programs do not typically offer a salary. Public vocational schools are free, but private institutions may charge tuition. Exceptions exist in healthcare, where trainees receive compensation during practical phases in hospitals or nursing homes.
Dual Studies: The Best of Both Worlds
Dual studies combine university-level education with practical work experience in a company. This path results in two qualifications: an academic degree and a professional certificate. Popular fields include economics, engineering, and computer science.
While dual studies require a university entrance qualification, they offer excellent practical experience and good job prospects after graduation. Most programs last three to five years. Note that tuition fees often apply for dual studies, usually at private universities, though some companies may cover these costs.
Final Words for Vocational training
Vocational program in Germany provides a structured path to a successful career, offering practical skills, recognized qualifications, and promising job prospects. Whether you choose the dual system, school-based training, or dual studies, the German vocational training system has options suited to different ambitions and sectors.
For more detailed information and to find vocational training programs, check out resources like the German Office for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training or the Federal Employment Agency’s job search.
If you have any questions or want personalized guidance on vocational program opportunities in Germany, feel free to contact us at. We’re here to help you find the right path to your future career!
FAQ
You Can Find All Answers Here
Vocational training means education and practical training designed to prepare you for a specific profession. It combines theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, often resulting in a recognized qualification that helps you enter the workforce.
Vocational training in Germany typically involves either the dual system, where apprentices split their time between vocational school and practical work in a company, or school-based training, which is full-time education at a vocational school with internships. There is also the option of dual studies combining university education with company training.
Completing vocational training in Germany offers high career prospects, practical work experience, and often leads to permanent employment. The dual system, in particular, allows apprentices to earn a salary while gaining valuable skills.
Yes, during dual vocational training apprentices receive a monthly salary from their training company. The amount varies depending on the profession and training year. However, school-based vocational training usually does not provide a salary unless in specific sectors like healthcare.
The duration of vocational training varies by type and profession but typically ranges from one to three years. Dual studies programs usually last three to five years.
While some programs may require basic German skills, most vocational training in Germany is conducted in German, especially the examinations. Improving your German language skills is highly recommended to succeed.
You can find opportunities for vocational training in Germany on official platforms like the Federal Employment Agency’s job search, Ausbildung Plus, and your local Chambers of Industry and Commerce.