Finding an apprenticeship place and choosing a training occupation

Choosing an occupation and finding a training place are connected decisions: the work needs to suit your interests, and the available places need to meet your priorities. In Germany, the two most common routes are company-based dual training (duale Ausbildung) and school-based training (schulische Ausbildung). 1

Who needs this

• This guide is for people comparing training occupations and looking for a place with a company or a vocational school. Dual training combines learning at a company and a vocational school (Berufsschule) and usually lasts 2 to 3.5 years. Companies decide which school qualifications they require; there is no legally prescribed school-leaving qualification for dual training. 2
• If you have a disability and need help choosing or completing training, counselling for vocational rehabilitation and participation (Beratung für berufliche Rehabilitation und Teilhabe) can help you consider training routes and support. 13

Step by step

1. Explore occupations before choosing one. The Federal Employment Agency’s free Check-U test is available to pupils aged 13 and over and takes about 80 minutes. It suggests training options from grade 8 onwards. You can also discuss your results in a free career-counselling appointment (Berufsberatung). 5
2. Compare the routes. Dual training includes practical work and pays a training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung). School-based training generally involves more classroom learning; most school-based programmes do not pay a training allowance; nursing and care occupations are an exception, where pay is usually set by a collective agreement. Check the occupation’s usual duration in BERUFENET or consult the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training’s register of recognised training occupations. 128
3. Search in the appropriate place: use the Federal Employment Agency’s Jobsuche for dual places and its Ausbildungsplatzsuche for school-based offers. The chambers of commerce and industry (Industrie- und Handelskammern) and chambers of crafts (Handwerkskammern) also offer searches. Training fairs, contacts and internships can help you discover occupations and employers, and the free AzubiWelt app can notify you about new places in your chosen occupations. 1
4. Read each advert closely. Compare the tasks, required qualifications, possible internship requirement, start date, application method and deadline with what you want and can offer. If a company interests you but has no advertised place, you can ask whether it trains in your chosen occupation and apply without an advert. 14
5. Apply to your preferred companies or schools. Tailor your cover letter and CV to each application, and keep a record of where and when you applied. If you find no place, career counselling can help you consider options such as an introductory qualification (Einstiegsqualifizierung) or a vocational preparation measure (Berufsvorbereitende Bildungsmaßnahme). 47

Documents

• Prepare application documents, including a cover letter and CV. Follow the application method in the advert, such as an applicant portal or email. If you attend a training fair, take printed application documents; for an online document check, have them as PDFs. 14

Cost and time

• Check-U is free and takes about 80 minutes. Dual training pays a training allowance. School-based training at a state vocational school is free, though materials, work clothes, travel or accommodation can cost money; private schools usually charge tuition. 25

Deadlines

• Start searching and applying early. Larger companies may seek applicants 1.5 years before training begins, and many school-based programmes require applications 1 year in advance. Follow the deadline in each advert. If you have heard nothing after four weeks, you can ask whether a decision has been made or when to expect one. 14