Looking to do an Ausbildung in Germany but don’t know where to start? Check out this post for everything you need to know about an Ausbildung in Germany!
As an Au pair in Germany, I’ve been researching the many different ways foreigners are able to stay in Deutschland after their Au pair year. One of those ways includes doing an Ausbildung in Germany which is something that’s not so common in the U.S.
So, if you’re coming to the end of your Au pair stay and you’re thinking about doing an Ausbildung, you’ve come to the right place! This post breaks down everything you need to know about an Ausbildung in Germany as well as how to find one.
Au Pair in Germany Series
P.S. This is a post in my Au Pair in Germany series. Here is the complete series:
Au Pair Origin and History: What is an Au Pair: The Origin and History
Au Pair Tasks: What Does an Au Pair Do: Au Pair Tasks
Au Pair Agencies: The 7 Best Au Pair Agencies for Americans
German Language Learning Apps: The 10 Best Apps for German Learning as an Au Pair
Au Pair Guide: How to Become an Au Pair in Germany
Au Pair Visa: Au Pair Visa Germany: Requirements for Americans
Au Pair vs. Nanny: Au Pair vs. Nanny: What is the Difference?
Au Pair Salary: German Au Pair Salary: What to Expect
Au Pair Rematch: The Top 10 Reasons Why Au Pairs Rematch
Au Pair Driving: The Au Pair Guide to Driving in Germany
German A1 Exam: How To Pass Your German A1 Test To Become An Au Pair
Host Family Interview: Here Are 100 Host Family Interview Questions You Need To Ask
Host Family Red Flags: 10 Host Family Red Flags You Should Watch Out For
Packing List: Au Pair Packing List: Germany Edition
BFD: BFD in Germany: What Americans Need To Know
FSJ: How to Do an FSJ in Germany
Ausbildung: Ausbildung in Germany: Here’s Everything You Need to Know
What is an Ausbildung?
An Ausbildung in Germany is a German word that essentially means apprenticeship in English. It’s purpose is to provide people with the training they’ll need that will lead them towards a certain job or profession. The trainee would therefore be exposed to a mix of theoretical learning and practical training in Germany’s emerging educational system.
What are the different types of Ausbildung in Germany?
In Germany, there are two major types of Ausbildung: the Schulische Ausbildung and the Duale Ausbildung.
The Schulische Ausbildung
The Schulische Ausbildung is a type of apprenticeship that’s done in a school or a training academy. The trainees are provided with more theoretical knowledge with this type but it’s only for certain sectors. These sectors include but are not limited to healthcare, social services, design, technology and foreign languages.
The Duale Ausbildung
The Duale Ausbildung is a type of apprenticeship that’s done through a company. This is the most common type of apprenticeship in Germany since it allows the trainee to do an internship and train at the same time hence the word “dual”. Usually, in a Duale Ausbildung training takes place 1-2 days a week in addition to the company’s work. The sectors in Germany that support a Duale Ausbildung include industry & trade, craft, agriculture, public service, and liberal professions.
What are the basic requirements for an Ausbildung in Germany?
The basic requirements for an Ausbildung in Germany include:
- High School Diploma (Non-EU)/Proof of 9-10 years of school (EU)
- Must be age 18 or over
- Valid visa + passport
- Independent funds for subsequent living in Germany
- Health Insurance
- Accommodation
- A German language certificate of B1 or higher
How much is an Ausbildung in Germany?
An Ausbildung in Germany is completely free hence why it attracts so many foreigners from all over the world!
Why do people do an Ausbildung in Germany?
There are many reasons people do an Ausbildung in Germany. These reasons include:
- Monthly stipend: since the program is free, trainees are literally getting paid to undergo training
- German-qualified skilled worker: after completing an Ausbildung in Germany, you’ll automatically get titled as a German-qualified skilled worker which is great if you’re looking for new job prospects
- Permanent Residency: doing an Ausbildung in Germany brings you one step closer to permanent residency if you meet some criteria
- Rehire: there’s a good chance if you’re doing a Duale Ausbildung your current company could rehire you after finishing the program
How to find and apply for an Ausbildung in Germany?
Finding an Ausbildung in Germany is pretty similar to finding any other job in the U.S. You just have to go through some online job boards to see what’s available or go to the company’s website. Some online job boards I’d recommend are ausbildung.de and the Bundesagentur für Arbeit’s Ausbildung portal. They already have a ton of postings that are up for grabs so you might as well shoot your shot.
In addition, once you’re ready to apply for an Ausbildung, be sure to have all your documents prepared too.
You’ll need:
- Curriculum Vitae: you’ll need an up-to-date brief CV that includes your most relevant educational and professional history
- Cover Letter: you’ll need a cover letter to explain why you would be a great fit for the role
- Work Experience Evidence: you’ll need to provide some evidence of the work experience you listed on your CV but this is usually done with an experience certificate
- Diploma: you’ll need to attest all of the school certificates, diplomas or degrees you have
- German-Translated Documents: depending on the company, you may need a German version of all your documents
Furthermore, you can also expect to fill out some personal information on an Ausbildung application such as your name, address, and contact information. Proof of language proficiency is also very important since an Ausbildung in Germany is usually done in German. So, as mentioned earlier, if you have a language certificate for B1 German or higher then you should be all set.
How much can one earn from an Ausbildung in Germany?
How much you make from an Ausbildung in Germany really depends on the profession, the employer and the German State. However, most people make between 650-1300 euros a month. In fact, the highest paying industries for an Ausbildung include nursing, aviation, tech, and hotel management!
What is the duration of an Ausbildung in Germany?
The duration of an Ausbildung in Germany varies since it depends on a lot of different factors. These factors include:
- Training Periods: since different skills may require a different duration
- Degree: if you have a related degree in the Ausbildung you’re doing then your duration may be shortened
- Performance: if you’re performing very well in your Ausbildung then that might also affect its duration
All in all, the average duration for an Ausbildung is usually between 2-4 years.
What happens after completing an Ausbildung in Germany?
As mentioned in the fifth question of this post, after completing an Ausbildung in Germany, one is now able to start looking for a permanent job in Deutschland which can also lead to permanent residency too.
Overall, I really hope you enjoyed reading this post on everything you need to know about an Ausbildung in Germany. Please let me know in the comments down below which fact about it surprised you the most. I would love to hear from you! 🙂
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