What is dual apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is one way to learn the desired profession. It usually takes 3 years and after graduation you are authorised to pursue the learned profession. In dual apprenticeship, there are two places of learning:
- The practical training takes place in a company.
- Theoretical instruction takes place at the vocational school.
This combination of theory and practice offers you optimal conditions to get to know all aspects of your chosen profession. This type of training is internationally accepted. During your entire training, you will be paid by the company.
The school
The vocational school for our apprenticeships is in Neustadt. You can find more information here. As an apprentice, you have to attend vocational school – there are different options depending on the apprenticeship.
- You are in vocational school 1-2 times a week and at work for the rest of the week.
- You have several weeks of classes at a time and then you are in the company for several weeks at a time. While you are at school, you don’t have to work at the company.
At vocational school, you take various subjects that are relevant to your future occupational field. Your level of knowledge is regularly tested in exams. For this reason, you must have a good knowledge of German.
As a foreigner, can I do an apprenticeship at all?
If you live in the European Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland or Norway, you can start an apprenticeship in Germany without legal regulations. You only have to consider the following:
- You have to change your place of residence.
- You have to register at the citizens’ registration office and give your new address.
- A visa is not required in this case.
Applicants from countries other than those mentioned above have different rules.
- You have to apply for a visa at the responsible diplomatic representative in your country.
- If you are interested in an apprenticeship, you can apply for a visa for six or nine months to look for a training place and complete internships (max. 10 hours per week) during this time.
These are all other important requirements:
- German language skills at the B1 level.
- Have school-leaving degree/vocational degree reviewed through the recognition procedure
- Independent means of subsistence (min. 600 – 700 euros per month)
- Health insurance
- Proven accommodation
What opportunities do I have after completing an apprenticeship?
With a successful degree, your chances of finding a permanent position in a company in Germany are very good. Foreigners with a vocational degree have good chances of obtaining a permanent residence permit in Germany.
Further questions and answers
What school-leaving degree do I need to do an apprenticeship in Germany and what do I need to bear in mind?
- You don’t need a specific school-leaving degree.
- Each training company decides for itself which prerequisites and qualifications the applicants must have for the training occupation.
- Your school-leaving certificate with the relevant documents such as school reports should be approved.
- You can have your most important documents notarised, for example, at your school, at the citizens’ registration office, at a church or by a notary.
- You should also have the certificates translated into German before they are certified.
How does the recognition procedure work?
Information on the recognition of school-leaving degree can be found on the information portal for foreign educational qualifications „anabin“.
- There you can compare your qualifications.
- In this way, you make the work easier for the companies, who can better assess your qualifications and include you in their selection of applicants.
If you would like to find out more about our apprenticeships in the hotel and catering sector, click here: