One way of training for your future occupation in Germany is by pursuing a dual vocational training programme. Such programmes offer plenty of opportunities for on-the-job training and work experience. Programmes usually last between two and three and a half years and consist of theoretical as well as practical elements. You will spend one or two days a week, or several weeks at once, at vocational school (Berufsschule) where you will acquire the theoretical knowledge needed in your future occupation. The rest of the time will be spent at a company, where you get to apply your newly acquired knowledge in practice, for example by learning to operate machinery. You will get to know what your company does, learn how it operates, and find out if you can see yourself working there after completing your training.
The combination of theory and practice gives you a head start for your job: by the time you have completed your training, you will not only have the required technical knowledge, but you will also have hands-on experience in your job. There are around 325 officially recognised training programmes in Germany, so there is a good chance that one of them might suit your interests and talents.
Employment prospects for students who have completed a dual vocational training programme are excellent. This is one of the reasons why this kind of training is very popular amongst young Germans: around two thirds of all students leaving school go on to start vocational.
In Germany, students pursuing a vocational training programme receive a monthly salary from the company they work for. On average a trainee has a gross income of around €1,028.00. Depending on the occupation and region, your salary may be higher or lower. For example, during the first year of the apprenticeship, mechatronics engineering trainees may have a gross income of up to €1,154.00 per month. The salary you receive as a trainee increases with each year of training you complete. Part of your salary will be deducted for social security contributions. If you earn more than €10,908 per year, your income will be subject to income tax. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung – BIBB) has published a report on occupations and the respective salaries you receive as a trainee.
Dual training programmes usually start on the 1st of August or the 1st of September each year. They consist of on-the-job training at a company and classes at a vocational school (Berufsschule). Classes may include German, English and Social Studies. Around two thirds of the classes specifically focus on subjects that are important for your future occupation. During your training programme, you are entitled to at least 24 business days or four weeks of annual leave. However, you may only take your leave during school holidays.
Your teachers, instructors and colleagues will give you all the support you need during your programme. After the first half of your training programme, you will take an examination to assess what you have learned at school and how you have been able to apply this knowledge at your company. You will also take final exams at the end of your training. As a rule, exams are in German. If you pass your final exams, you have a good chance of starting a successful career in Germany.
Source: Make it in Germany
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