With practical vocational training, practical experience can be gained and the chances of getting a job are greatly improved. In many schools and universities, students are expected to participate in compulsory internships during their studies. In this section we can learn about the rights of the trainees, the advantages of doing the training, and the critical issues to think about before starting the training period.

Basic information about practical vocational training

What is the training period?

Vocational training is work in a specific occupation for a specified period and is intended to work in a professional setting (in a company or organization) and to help the trainee gain introductory experience in the industry. Typically, training takes place during school or university years or before working in an actual job.

What types of practical training are available?

There are three different types of training in Germany: School training "SchülerpraktikumCompulsory training for university studentsPflichtpraktikumOptional training.

 

• school training"Schülerpraktikum This type of training takes place depending on the type of school - usually, it ends in the eighth or eleventh grade. This training is often part of the curriculum, which means that it is usually mandatory for all students. It takes one to two weeks for students to complete, this period helps students choose their career direction.
• Compulsory vocational training "Pflichtpraktikum” is often part of university programs. In some specific areas, students must participate in training before beginning their university education. The course and duration of compulsory training are usually specified in the program guidelines and regulations. This training aims to improve the professional orientation of students and help them to Begin accumulating work experience in their fields.
• Optional Vocational TrainingOptional training can be undertaken by anyone wishing to gain hands-on experience or familiarity with corporate workflows. An elective internship usually takes between two weeks to a few months to complete.

Hands-on features

Practical apprenticeship provides the necessary insight into various professional fields or companies and, therefore, can help to choose a better job or establish initial contact with a particular company. This contact may help if the trainee decides to apply for a job in the same company. By doing an apprenticeship, you will have a better chance of working in the future, because any potential employer is aware that the applicant for a job in their company has already gained some work experience during the internship. As for the unemployed, vocational training can make their resume more interesting, as there will be fewer gaps and more comprehensive and diverse work experiences will be added to attract the attention of potential employers.

What type of residency is required to enroll in vocational training?

Anyone can get school apprenticeships” Schülerpraktikum" and compulsory training ("Pflichtpraktikum"), regardless of their residence status. Elective vocational training ("freiwilliges Praktikum") depends on the state of residence. In this case, a person needs a residence permit that allows them to train.

The following applies to refugees:

• Persons with a valid refugee residence permit Usually, they are allowed to undertake practical vocational training without any restrictions. Recognized refugees and asylum seekers are also entitled to full access to the labor market, including vocational training, for the duration of their residence permit.
• Persons with a tolerant residenceDoldung", need to apply for a work permit from the immigration office before starting the training. Each case is reviewed separately to decide whether or not a work permit should be issued. To be approved by the Immigration Office, you must first find an internship opportunity at a company or organization and then apply for a work permit for that specific internship.
• Persons still in the asylum procedure stage need a work permit from the immigration office before they can start an internship. Three months after submitting your asylum application, you can apply for a work permit at the Immigration Office. To get their approval, you must first find an internship position in a company or organization and then apply for a work permit for that specific internship.

Note: People with a tolerant stay "Duldung” or residence permit, and who come from a country considered to be a safe country (currently: Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Ghana, and Senegal) and have applied for asylum after August 31, 2015, will not be granted a work permit. Likewise, people with a tolerant residence “Duldung” A deportation order is issued against them trying to obstruct their deportation by starting an internship or individuals who are believed to have arrived in Germany only to obtain government benefits, are not issued work permits, and cannot start an internship.

Can the trainees get wages during the training period?

The employer can pay during the students’ internship period” Schülerpraktikum" or compulsory training "Pflichtpraktikum", but it is not obligatory. When a salary is paid during the period of compulsory training, this wage does not usually include social insurance contributions.

During the optional training period, the trainee usually receives wages. The amount of remuneration is decided by the company or organization that gave the training opportunity. If the training period extends for three months, the wage must not be less than the minimum wage, and also, the company or organization must make contributions to health insurance and pensions. If the training period extends for three months and the amount of income is higher than 450 euros per month, social insurance contributions must also be paid.

Note: If the training period extends for three months and the income level is higher than 450 euros per month, family insurance coverage cannot be continued, and the intern must apply for separate health insurance.

Is it possible to continue receiving a loan (BAföG) during the training period?

If a person starts compulsory trainingPflichtpraktikum” before or during the university years will be entitled to Student Financial Support (BAföG). If he receives wages that exceed the income limits stipulated in the BAföG, the amount of the (BAFöG) will be lower or the loan will be canceled, it depends on the number of training fees.

 

If the voluntary training period ends before graduation, the trainee will not be entitled to a loan (BAföG) - but if the voluntary internship takes place during a semester or the student is part-trained during university semesters, the BAföG loan will still be due. However, if the training generates income, a portion of the amount due will be deducted from the BAföG accordingly. If a student begins a full-time voluntary internship during university semesters or if he or she stops studying for a semester to do optional internships, they will lose their right to BAföG.

Can people who receive unemployment benefits undergo practical vocational training?

Yes, people who receive unemployment benefits can undertake vocational training, however, the employment agency (or employment center) must agreeJobcentre) however, training is often assumed to lead to gainful employment subject to social insurance contributions. If a training salary is not paid, you can continue to receive unemployment benefits. If training wages exceed €100 (you can get the second unemployment benefit), or if your training wages exceed €165 (you can get the first unemployment benefit), your unemployment benefit will be reduced or raised accordingly.

How can I get an internship opportunity?

An internship opportunity can be found with the help of the Federal Employment AgencyBundesagentur for ArbeitAs well as through many websites. There are special websites that offer offers for training opportunities, such ashttp://www.praktikum.info/,http://www.karriere.unicum.de/,http://www.praktika.de/,http://www.karriere.unicum.de/, orhttp://www.prabo.de/. You can also contact companies and institutions directly and make inquiries regarding the possibility of training. In principle, companies or organizations do not require work experience to provide an internship opportunity. To find out more, you can find the job search and employment application section on our website.

If a person finds a training opportunity, it is recommended to sign a training contract with the concerned company or institution. Note that the conclusion of a contract is not mandatory by law.

Note: Most companies and organizations require those looking for an internship opportunity to speak German. Sometimes English may be enough, but for most companies, it is important to have a good command of German.

 

important

Practical vocational training is very useful. After getting some experience, it is a good idea to look for a job rather than complete further training. Some companies use interns as cheap labor. It is always useful for the trainee to request a permanent employment contract after completing the training.