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If you have ever been interested in education and work in Germany, you have probably come across the word "Ausbildung." This word has become a magnet for young people looking for opportunities to gain education and a profession at the same time. But what does this term actually mean? Let's find out.

Ausbildung: what is it?

The German word "Ausbildung" translates to "training" or "education." In the context discussed, it refers to a special system of vocational training that combines theoretical education in educational institutions with practical experience in companies. This system is the foundation of vocational education in Germany and is aimed at those who want to become specialists in a specific field without the need to attend university.
Ausbildung lasts on average 2-3.5 years, depending on the chosen specialty. The main idea is to learn and work at the same time.

How does the Ausbildung system work?

Ausbildung typically has two components:
  • Theoretical part. Students learn in specialized schools (Berufsschule), where they acquire theoretical knowledge related to their chosen profession, study the German language, mathematics, or technical subjects.
  • Practical part. Simultaneously, students work in companies or workshops, where they acquire professional skills under the supervision of mentors.
This allows participants to gain work experience immediately and understand how everything works "in the real world".
Ausbildung attracts many due to a number of advantages:
  • Paid internship. Students receive a salary during their training, which allows them to support themselves financially.
  • High demand. Graduates of Ausbildung usually find jobs quickly, as they already have experience in their field.
  • Accessibility. Ausbildung is open even to foreigners. Many programs do not require prior university education, but it is essential to have German language skills at the B1-B2 level.
  • Wide range of professions. There are over 300 fields in Germany, including technical specialties, culinary arts, healthcare, crafts, and more.

How to apply for Ausbildung?

The application process involves several important steps:
  • Find a company. First, you need to find an employer that offers places for students. This can be a large corporation or a small business.
  • Submit an application. Usually, you need to send a resume, a cover letter, and proof of German language proficiency.
  • Pass an interview. If you are selected, a contract is signed, and you become a participant in the program.

How to find Ausbildung vacancies?

  • Official resources:
    • Job portals. The most popular website in Germany for finding Ausbildung positions is Berufenet from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).
    • Jobbörse. This is a platform where job vacancies from employers looking for students for the program are published.
  • Organizations for foreigners:
    • IQ Netzwerk. This organization helps immigrants integrate into the German labor market, particularly through finding Ausbildung opportunities.
    • Handwerkskammer and Industrie- und Handelskammer (IHK). These are chambers of commerce that have databases of companies willing to take students for internships.
  • Embassies and consulates:
    At the German embassies, you can get information about available programs for Ukrainians and organizations that facilitate their admission.
  • Private agencies and online platforms:
    There are specialized agencies that help search for employers and assist in the documentation process. Some of them work with international applicants.
  • Social networks and groups for foreigners:
    In Facebook or Telegram, you can often find groups where current Ausbildung vacancies are shared, as well as real reviews from those who are already studying.
  • Directly through employers:
    Many companies have sections on their websites with vacancies for students in Ausbildung. For example, these can be corporations like BMW, Siemens, Bosch, Lidl, etc.

Are there any drawbacks?

Although the system has many advantages, not everyone can find their place in it. For example, the language requirement can be challenging for those who are just starting to learn German. Additionally, some specialties have relatively low salaries at the initial stages.
  • Technical specialties:
    • Electrician (Elektroniker)
    • Industrial mechanic (Industriemechaniker)
    • Mechatronics technician (Mechatroniker)
    • Welder (Schweißer)
    • Air conditioning technician (Kälteanlagenbauer)
  • Medicine and care:
    • Nurse (Pflegefachkraft)
    • Dental assistant (Zahnmedizinische Fachangestellte)
    • Laboratory technician (Medizinisch-technischer Assistent)
  • Culinary arts and hospitality:
    • Chef (Koch)
    • Waiter (Restaurantfachmann/-frau)
    • Hotel administrator (Hotelfachmann/-frau)
  • Construction sector:
    • Mason (Maurer)
    • Tiler (Fliesen-, Platten- und Mosaikleger)
    • Roofer (Dachdecker)
    • Painter (Maler und Lackierer)
  • Service sector:
    • Hairdresser (Friseur)
    • Sales consultant (Kaufmann/-frau im Einzelhandel)
    • Logistician (Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik)
  • Information technology:
    • Programmer (Fachinformatiker für Anwendungsentwicklung)
    • Network systems technician (Fachinformatiker für Systemintegration)

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