Vocational Training

Germany is renowned for the quality of its vocational training, which covers many occupations for which no formal education route exists in the UK. Qualifications are available for over 300 vocations and mostly based on dual education, combining practical training in a company with tuition at a vocational school (Berufsschule). A training course usually takes 2–3 years and is free of charge. The German government’s Make It In Germany portal offers helpful guidance on Germany’s vocational training system.

If you’re interested in pursuing vocational education in Germany, you’ll first need to find a trainee place that’s right for you. Searching the German Federal Employment Agency’s Jobsuche database (in German) for “Ausbildung” vacancies is a good starting point. There’s also a separate geographical search tool for apprenticeships in the trades.

Vocational education in Germany is delivered almost exclusively in German, so you’ll need good German language skills. If you haven’t learned German at school, you can attend an in-person or online language course from the Goethe-Institut before travelling to Germany. Alternatively, some German companies offer German courses for trainees from abroad – it’s worth asking about this when you apply.

As part of your practical training in a company, you’ll receive a training salary. The German Vocational Training Act sets minimum levels for this salary – currently €682/month in your first year of training.

You’ll need a visa or residence permit for vocational training to embark on your vocational qualification in Germany. As a British citizen, you can apply for a visa before you leave – from the German Consulate General in Edinburgh (if you live in Scotland) or from the German Embassy in London (if you live in any other part of the UK). Alternatively, you can travel to Germany without a visa and apply for a residence permit from the local immigration office within 90 days, but you may only start your vocational training once your permit has been granted.

Requirements for a vocational training visa or residence permit include:

• Evidence of a training place/contract in Germany;
• Proof of German language skills (at least to level B1), or an evaluation of your language skills by your training institution;
• Approval from the Federal Employment Agency (usually obtained by the company where you will complete your practical training);
• Evidence of sufficient funds (currently €959/month for up to 12 months) in the form of a blocked account, training salary, and/or a German sponsor; and
• Evidence of health insurance cover in Germany (travel insurance is not generally sufficient).

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. General information on vocational training visas is available via the Make It In Germany portal, and should be read in combination with the guidance on the website of the German Missions in the UK. Details on applying for a residence permit after your arrival are available from the relevant local immigration office in Germany. The fee for a visa is €75. A residence permit obtained in Germany after arrival will usually cost you €100.

Like everyone living in Germany, you must register as a resident with the local authority within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. You’ll need confirmation of your registration to apply for your residence permit, or to have your visa converted into a residence permit.

Part-Time Work while in Vocational Training

As a British citizen on a vocational training visa or residence permit, you’re allowed to work part-time, but only once your visa or residence permit has been granted. You can work up to 20 hours a week, provided that your training provider agrees.