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Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Programs

Definition, Explanation

Tips, Checklist

Definition, Explanation

After finishing school, one can learn certain professions through an apprenticeship. German Vocational Training Act (BBiG, Berufsbildungsgesetz) defines the term and the prerequisites to enter an official apprenticeship profession that is government-approved by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology. The ministry also decree the training regulations.

Approved apprenticeship professions feature the following:

• Juveniles below the age of 18 may be trained
• Juveniles are professionally qualified
• No certain school graduation is required, officially
• Apprentices are remunerated

Occupation and education, in such apprenticeships, run in parallel, that is in the workplace and in a professional school.

Tips, Checklist

• Get informed on the government-approved apprenticeship professions, and mind in how far you can use qualifications learned there, in the future
• Get an overview of the different professional activities
• Compare the requirements with your demands and your competences
• Get informed about different professions at the labour agency, at friends, and get to know companies and their apprentice offers on open days and the like. There is also information on the web
• Get informed on apprenticeship programmes at the local CCI (German: IHK) or Chambers of Crafts (HWK)
• Sort out where apprenticeship jobs are located, for your desired apprenticeship
• Do not haste for the next best offer right near you, but also look around at other places
• Contact the company of your choice in good time, and try to establish personal contact. This way, you increase your chances of getting your dream apprenticeship
• Apply for an apprenticeship job just as carefully as you would for any job. Usual requirements are quite the same. Especially elaborate on why you desire this apprenticeship and what experience you are contributing (e.g. hobby, honorary work)

Last update: 01/09/2010