Prepare for vocational training in Germany

Training can look different

In Germany there are mainly dual and school-based training programmes.

• •In dual training you learn in the training company and at the vocational school.
• •In school-based training a larger part takes place at a school.
• •Which path applies to you depends on the occupation.

You are still looking for a training place

These steps help you search in a focused way.

• •Choose an occupation and find out its German job title.
• •Look at the occupation in BERUFENET.
• •Search for training places at the Bundesagentur für Arbeit and on company career pages.
• •Make it in Germany can additionally help international applicants.
• •Prepare your application.

What belongs in the application?

Keep your documents compact and complete.

• •CV
• •Relevant school or training certificates
• •Cover letter only if it is required or useful
• •Current contact details
• •Language certificates if applicable

How much German do you need?

Good German is important in many training programmes, because company, vocational school and exams are mostly in German.

• •Which language level is required for your occupation, your company or your residence route has to be checked in your concrete case.
• •Entry and residence are a separate step in your Germany plan.

Translating and certifying documents

Before you have anything translated or certified: clarify with the responsible office which form is really required.

What do you earn during training?

For dual training covered by the Vocational Training Act and starting in 2026, the statutory minimum pay in the first year is generally €724 gross per month.

• •Collective agreements, the type of training and special rules can lead to other amounts. Many training salaries are higher.
• •School-based training is not automatically paid. Depending on the programme there can be pay or financial support.

Is the training pay not enough?

For company-based or external training, vocational training assistance (BAB) can be possible under certain conditions.

• •Whether you get BAB is checked by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit in your case.

Company and vocational school belong together

In dual training you alternate between the company and the vocational school. The company has to release you for school and exams.

What you can do now

• •Check the training occupation in BERUFENET.
• •Search for training places.
• •Prepare your application documents.
• •Check the language and access requirements of your occupation.
• •When you get an offer, clarify contract and residence route.