Vocational training in Germany

Vocational training in Germany for skilled workers from abroad: Detailed description and examples

The German dual training system combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience and offers international skilled workers excellent opportunities to gain professional qualifications and develop long-term career prospects in Germany.

• 1. admission requirements
  In order to take up vocational training in Germany, foreign applicants must fulfill certain requirements:

  -School-leaving certificate: As a rule, the school-leaving certificate from the home country must correspond to the German Hauptschule or Realschule certificate. This is checked by recognizing the certificates.
  
  -Example: An applicant from India who has completed the 10th grade has her school-leaving certificate checked by the relevant authorities in Germany. It is recognized as equivalent to a German secondary school leaving certificate.

  -Language skills: German language skills at level B1 or B2 are usually required. This is proven by a language certificate, e.g. from the Goethe-Institut or telc.
  
  -Example: An applicant from Brazil completes a German course up to level B2 and then takes the exam to fulfill the language requirements.

• 2. visa and residence permit
  The following regulations apply to skilled workers from non-EU countries:

  -Visa application: Interested parties must apply for a training visa at the German embassy in their home country. This requires, among other things, a training contract and proof of financial means.
  
  -Example: An applicant from Nigeria presents her signed contract with a German company and an account with sufficient funds to cover her living expenses at the embassy.

  - residence permit: After arriving in Germany, a residence permit is applied for at the Foreigners' Registration Office. This is usually issued for the duration of the training.
  
  -Example: A trainee from Turkey applies for a residence permit after his arrival and receives it for three years, corresponding to the duration of his training.
  
  - Exceptions for EU/EEA countries: Applicants from these countries require neither a visa nor a residence permit.
  
  -Example: A prospective student from Poland can travel directly to Germany and start their training, as they do not require a residence permit as an EU citizen.

• 3.perspectives after the training
  After successfully completing their training, foreign skilled workers have numerous opportunities:

  -Job search: Graduates can apply for a residence permit for up to 12 months in order to find employment in Germany.
  
  -Example: A trained electronics technician from Serbia applies for a residence permit after completing his training and finds a permanent job in a German company within six months.

  -Direct employment: If you have an existing job offer, you can immediately apply for a residence permit for qualified employment.
  
  -Example: A nurse from Vietnam gets a job in a clinic after her training and switches directly to an employment visa.

  -Shortage occupations: The chances of permanent employment and long-term prospects are particularly high in the IT, nursing and skilled trades sectors.
  
  -Example: A car mechatronics technician from Morocco stays in Germany after his training, as there is a high demand for skilled workers in the industry.

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