An Ausbildung is a form of vocational training or apprenticeship where a student attends school and works simultaneously. The student gains both theoretical and practical knowledge at the same time.
The training usually starts in September every year, but can start at other times as well.
Types of Vocational training
Dual vocational training (“Duale Berufsausbildung”)
This is taught at a Berufsschule. The student works and studies, and thereby obtaining practical experience.
The Student earns a salary.
Duration: 2-3 years
School-based vocational training (“Schulische Ausbildung”)
This is similar to the Technical Schools in South Africa.
The student does not earn a salary (exceptions exists)
Duration: 3-5 years
Dual vocational degree (“Ausbildungsorientiertes duales Studium”)
Dual programmes combine a university course with practical training or work experience with an employer.
It is taught at Universities or Berufsakademie.
The student needs University exemption (Matric /Abitur with exemption) The student obtains a degree and work experience.
The student ears a salary.
Duration: 3-5 years including on-the job-training period . See Hochschulkompass for more information.
Where to find additional information
- https://www.ausbildung.de/
- https://www.apprenticeship-toolbox.eu/germany/education-system-and-vet-system-in-germany
- https://www.germanguide4u.com/vocational-training-ausbildung/
- http://blog.ausbildung.de/apprenticeship-in-germany/
- Finding Vocational Training
- Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bibb)
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit- Jobbörse
Related content
I want to work or live in Germany
Important facts South African citizens need a visa to travel to Germany and a residence permit to stay longer than 90 days A visa allows you to enter the country, you apply for your visa at the German Embassy in South Africa. You must apply for the correct long-stay visa, this is linked to the residence permit you will apply for once you are in Germany. For a list of long-stay visas and their relevant information please view our long-stay visas page. After arriving in Germany, you need to register at the Foreigners Office (Ausländerbehörde) Thereafter you need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenhaltstitel or Aufenhaltserlaubnis), which allows you to stay in the country for longer than 90 days You do not need an agency or immigration lawyer to assist you. The embassy in South Africa is extremely helpful, if you have all your paperwork in order, the process should go well. Their website is very informative. Under certain circumstances, you can obtain a visa to look for work. We (our FB page and this website) are not an immigration service and can only advise you where to get the official information. You are not allowed to work in Germany if it is not explicitly stated on your residence permit New Skilled immigration Act – Changes will be implemented in phases, in November 2023, March 2024 and June 2024. Detail about the changes can be found on the Make it in Germany website Here is a link to the official Information about the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act). Currently it is only available in German.The latest information in English can be found Anerkennung-in-deutschland website and Make it in Germany website Your options for living long term in Germany 1. Employment Below you will find pages where you can find more information about finding a job in Germany. There are some professions in demand with relaxed entry requirements, read more on Make in it in Germany. There are different Employment visas available, for example: Intra corporate transfers (ICT) Blue Card Work visa for qualified professionals, Visa for professionally experienced workers Visa for employment within the framework of a recognition partnership Work visa for IT professionals. Info about in demand skilled crafts and trades can be found on the Make it in Germany website 3. Training Are you a South African interested in completing vocational training in Germany? There is a specific visa application process for this. Learn more about it here. We also have a dedicated webpage about the German Vocational Training System. 5. Study Are you interested in studying in Germany? You can enrol at a University or Hochschule (Technical University). 7. Chancenkarte The Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) is a points-based immigration system introduced by Germany to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries. The Chancenkarte allows individuals to live in Germany while they search for a job, providing up to six months to secure employment. 9. Freelance or Self employment Are you considering Self-employment in Germany? You can find comprehensive information about the visa process for Self-employment in Germany here. 11. Language Teachers Under certain conditions, you may be granted access to the German labour market as a language teacher. You can either be employed at a school or work as a freelancer. Read more on the Make it in Germany website 2. Au Pair 4. Language Course Enrol in a German language course. 6. Family reunification Join your family in Germany 8. Recognition of qualifications According to Section 16d AufenthG (German Residence Act) – “For the purpose of recognising professional qualifications which a foreigner has acquired abroad, a foreigner is to be granted a temporary residence permit to undertake a qualification measure and to take a subsequent examination, if a body responsible according to federal or Länder regulations regarding recognition of professional qualifications has determined that adaptation or compensation measures or further qualifications are necessary”. Read more on the Make it in Germany website 10. Visa for research According to Section 18d AufenthG (German Residence Act) – You can apply for a visa for research in Germany. Read more on the Make it in Germany website 12. Volunteering People from 3rd world countries can apply to do volunteer service in Germany. There are four types of Voluntary services in Germany, that you can apply for. They are Federal Voluntary Service (BFD), Voluntary Social Year (FSJ), Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ), European Voluntary Service (EVS) 13. Artists Working in the creative field. You can apply for a visa to work as an artist 14. Professional Drivers As a professional driver of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) or buses, you have good chance of finding a suitable job in Germany 15. Professional athletes and coaches The German labour market is also open to professional athletes from abroad Hotline Working and Living in Germany The BAMF (Federal Office for Migration) hotline offers personalised information and advice, in German or English, on the following topics: Job search, Work and careers Recognition of foreign vocational qualifications Entry and residence Learning German The hotline is available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CET, Monday through Friday, Website Visit the BAMF website for more information. There is an option to contact them via an online form on their website Hotline +49 3018151111 websites Make it in Germany The German Embassy in South Africa The BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge) or in Eglish The Federal office for Migration and Refugees, website Facts about Germany – The Skilled Immigration Act makes it easier for qualified foreigners to enter the German labour market The state of Baden-Württemberg has a How to Relocate to The Länd website Gesetz über den Aufenthalt, die Erwerbstätigkeit und die Integration von Ausländern im Bundesgebiet1) (Aufenthaltsgesetz – AufenthG) Welcome Centres If you know in which town you plan to live, you can also contact the Welcome Centre and ask for assistance. Here are some links for the major cities. Stuttgart Ulm/Oberschwaben Berlin Hamburg Munich Rostock Frankfurt Related content
Searching for job opportunities
The most popular approach to finding a job in Germany is to register directly on company job sites. This helps you keep track of all the currently available job positions and makes the application process much more organized. Another option is to utilize the services of a reputable employment agency. This option could help you get extra career insights, identify hidden job opportunities, and potentially bring exclusive benefits to your job search process. For each application, you must submit your CV or resume, a cover letter, proof of education and any testimonials you might have. Vocational qualifications can be certified to assist in the process. See the section on Recognition of Studies You must also have or apply for the correct Visas/Residence Permits. Company Websites Airbus Accenture Audi BASF BMW Bosch Commerzbank Amazon AWS Lufthansa Group Lufthansa Technik Daimler Trucks Liebherr Mercedes-Benz Deutsche Bahn SAP Siemens Trivago Verivox Hedin Mobility group. Jobs across Germany, Sweden, etc. Business language is English. Startups If you are interested in working for a startup company, you can find a list here. Job search sites Immigrantspirit Make it in Germany – in demand professions (choose the profession on the left) Another list from Deuchland.de of in-demand professions The Local job site Stepstone Monster Meine Stellenboerse Xpatjobs English-speaking jobs in Germany Jobmesh (type in “ohne Deutsch” in the “Was” field to find English speaking jobs) The Arbeitsagentur The Arbeitsagentur, or Federal Employment Agency, in Germany is a government organization responsible for various aspects of employment and labor market policy. They offer several services specifically tailored to assist foreign jobseekers Its primary functions include: Job Placement and Career Counseling: Helping job seekers find employment and offering career advice. The agency provides assistance in finding job opportunities that match the qualifications and skills of foreign jobseekers. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications: The agency can guide jobseekers through the process of having their foreign qualifications recognized in Germany, ensuring that their credentials are properly valued in the German job market. Unemployment Benefits: Administering financial support for unemployed individuals. Vocational Training and Education: Providing programs for skills development and professional training. To improve job prospects, the Arbeitsagentur offers language courses to help foreign jobseekers achieve the necessary proficiency in German. See the Befufenet website for more information Career Counseling: Personalized career advice is available to help jobseekers understand the German labor market, identify potential career paths, and develop strategies for successful job applications. Information on Living and Working in Germany: The agency provides comprehensive information about living and working conditions in Germany, including legal requirements, social security, and health insurance. Support for Skilled Workers: Through initiatives like the “Make it in Germany” portal, the agency offers targeted support for skilled workers, including information on job vacancies, visa processes, and integration services. Our Job exchange board We created a job board where our community members can share workplace opportunities with us. You can find some great options here Specific Professions Information Technology Stack Overflow McKinsey & Company Consulting Teaching Kern Training Sprachschule-aktiv Schrole Search Associates Academics Academics.com Engineering Ingenieurweb Worley Doctors Howtogermany website Make it in Germany website PraktischArzt career portal Anerkennung von Ausbildungsnachweisen aus Drittstaaten Recognition of Training South African Doctors in Germany – A FB group where South African trained doctors can support each other and give advice to those wanting to make the move to Germany 🙂 Nursing Make it in Germany website Arbeitsagentur – Als Pflegekraft in Deutschland arbeiten Med Career Germany Recruitment agency for medical staff Recruiting Germany Anerkennung von Ausbildungsnachweisen aus Drittstaaten Recognition of Training Best companies to work for The following sites have the latest company ratings. Kanunu Glassdoor. You can also apply for jobs on this site Salary comparison With the help of the Gehalt website, you can conveniently get access to a vast database of salary information and compare it with different industries and professions. Resources on the web Have a look at six ways for skilled workers to come to Germany from the rumours about Germany site of the Federal foreign office If you’re having difficulties searching for a job from abroad, you can apply for a residence permit that enables qualified professionals to enter Germany for the purpose of seeking employment in accordance with Section 20 (1) (2) AufenthG (German Residence Act). See more here How to apply for a job in Germany Arbeitsagentür (Federal employment agency) Living, studying, working in Germany Vocabulary CV Der Lebenslauf Cover Letter Das Anschreiben Testimonial Das Zeugnis Recognition Die Anerkennung Interview Das Bewerbungsgespräch / Vorstellungsgespräch Study curriculum Das Studium Degree Der Abschlusse.g Bachelor Degree is Der Bachelorabschluss Matric / Grade 12 / High School graduation / A Levels Das Abitur Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email
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