Vocational training is a successful trainingship model in Germany that is exported to several countries.
More than half of all graduates choose this type of training after school.
The combination of theory and practice guarantees a successful training path.
Theory phase
You acquire theoretical knowledge at a vocational school.
There are different rotation models, when the lessons take place in vocational school.
In these lessons you acquire subject-specific, theoretical knowledge and in the general part you deepen your general knowledge with subjects such as German, politics and sports.
Practice phase
You will learn the practical knowledge in the training company. A team of experts with a wide range of specializations imparts the skills and knowledge required for the respective training occupation and beyond. Equipped with the guidance of your instructors and the theoretical knowledge from vocational school, you will have the opportunity to deepen what you have learned by learning by doing.
Facts about vocational training
Duration
Typically, vocational training lasts three or three and a half years. Trainees with outstanding performance can shorten their vocational training to two and a half years.
Vocational school and boarding school
Depending on the training, your vocational school is located 1 - 2 hours away from the company and is free of charge for you.
You have the option of staying overnight in a boarding school on site. - The costs are covered by the company. You only have to pay for your living expenses.
Rotation schedule
You will alternate regularly between vocational school and your training company. The intervals vary depending on the vocational training and year of the trainingship. On average, you spend 13 weeks in the trainingship year at the vocational school.
Evaluation
After each year of training, you will receive a certificate with your grades from the year of training to see in which subjects you have your strengths and weaknesses. After 1.5 years, an intermediate examination is held by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). At the end of the vocational training, a theoretical and practical final examination is held by the IHK.
Working hours
You work at the company in a 40-hour week and have one break per day. Depending on the apprenticeship, the 40 hours are divided differently.
Probationary period
Your probationary period at the company is 4 months.
Vacation days
You have 25 vacation days per year.
Salary
You already receive a salary during your vocational training. This training allowance increases in each year of training.
There is no scholarship.
Advantages of vocational training
Recognition
Your degrees are not only recognized nationwide, but often internationally.
Salary
You will receive a training allowance from the first year of training.
Work experience
You don't just learn a profession in theory, but can put your knowledge directly into practice at the company.
Variety
By alternating between vocational school and the company, the training remains varied, you do not only have to learn dry theory.
Chances of being taken on
If you show commitment and perform well during your apprenticeship, you will be offered a job at the company.
The requirements
No specific school-leaving qualification is required for your vocational training.
This means that you can do a dual training program with a secondary school diploma, with an intermediate school leaving certificate or with a high school diploma, even as a school dropout.
What happens if you don't pass the exams?
Before that, when do you fail at all? When the report cards at vocational school are bad or the results in the final exams are bad.
But don't panic! In both cases, you have the option of extending your training by 6 months and repeating the final exams.
This is also possible if you are dismissed from your company during the probationary period due to misconduct or poor performance. In such a case, the trainee can apply to a new training company and continue his professional training.
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