German universities are popular among foreigners, but not everyone knows that our graduates can also acquire a working profession in Germany
Two models of training
As Deutsche Welle notes, vocational training in Germany lasts from one to three and a half years and comes in two types. First, working professions are taught in vocational schools or colleges (Schulische Ausbildung). Under this model, classes are held mainly in the classroom. Practical skills are acquired in workshops and laboratories at educational institutions or during short-term internships at enterprises. This way, one can become, for example, a specialist in patient care, media, or tourism. Due to the predominance of theory over practice, this model is less known and popular in Germany.
Specialists who have mastered a profession through the dual system (duale Ausbildung) are in much greater demand among employers. In this case, training takes place mainly in production. Once or twice a week or less often – in blocks – the student must attend theoretical classes at a vocational school.
Currently, graduates under this model can master one of about 330 specialties. Training places are provided by the enterprises themselves. In 2016, more than 40,000 such places remained unfilled. At the same time, the German market needs skilled workers, primarily with knowledge in electronics, mechatronics, and metalworking.
Finding an employer
School graduates from post-Soviet countries can also become apprentices at a German enterprise. To start training under the dual system, the first step is to decide on a future profession and find an enterprise willing to take you on as an apprentice. A list of professions can be found on the website of the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB): https:\/\/www.bibb.de\/de\/berufeinfo.php\/search
Information about vacancies is posted on portals dedicated to vocational education in Germany – Ausbildung.de, Aubi-plus.de, Azubiyo.de, on the website of the Federal Employment Agency, as well as on the websites of the enterprises themselves. For example, in 2018, Bosch provides about a hundred places for training in technical specialties. The "white list" of the Federal Employment Agency will also help you get an idea of which working professions are especially in demand on the German labor market today.
Submitting an application
An application for vocational training should be submitted directly to the enterprise that posted the vacancy. In the package of documents, employers typically expect to see a resume, a copy of the school certificate translated into German, letters of recommendation, or certificates of internship completion. Some enterprises require the certificate to be checked for compliance with German standards.
Which authority to send the document for verification depends on the profession you want to master and the region where you plan to receive vocational training. The addresses of such authorities in Germany are indicated on the Anabin.de portal (sections "Anerkennungs- und Beratungsstellen in Deutschland", "Suche nach Stellen für Berufe").
Often, companies require passing online selection tests, for example, in German and mathematics. Candidates who successfully complete these tasks are invited for an interview. In addition to good grades in the certificate, one of the most important conditions is proficiency in the German language. As explained by the Central Placement Office for Foreign Employment (ZAV) under the Federal Employment Agency, knowledge of German must be at least at level A2, for medical specialties – B1.
"This is an official requirement. But this knowledge is not enough," emphasizes ZAV press service employee Beate Raabe. "The fact is that training at a vocational school is conducted in German. We recommend achieving level B1, or better yet, B2, otherwise problems may arise with mastering the educational material and passing exams," she warns.
Obtaining a visa
Applicants from non-EU countries need a national visa for vocational training in Germany. You should contact the German consulate after the enterprise has signed a written contract with you. This document specifies, among other things, the training period, duration of the probationary period, the number of hours allocated for work in production and attending classes, and the salary.
The financial aspect plays an important role in obtaining a visa. Under the dual system, the enterprise pays the apprentice a monthly salary, the amount of which depends on the specialty and region. At the consulate, you must prove that you will have approximately 800 euros per month. If the apprentice's salary is below this amount, you will need to confirm that you have additional funds to cover the difference. This can be done with a bank statement or a financial guarantee. In principle, the scheme is the same as for obtaining a visa to study at a German university.
If vocational training in Germany is a completed stage, the specialist can look for a job without leaving the country – a visa is issued for this purpose for a period of one year. However, you may not need such a visa. Companies are interested in hiring the personnel they have trained. According to statistics, two-thirds of former apprentices remain at the enterprise after completing their training.