The opportunity to study abroad is a common aspiration for many Indian students, but it can be financially burdensome. The Ausbildung program in Germany offers a creative alternative. It is Europe’s dual vocational training program. Students attend a vocational school while simultaneously being employed by a German company. There are no tuition fees. Participants earn a monthly salary while they learn. This article will break down the Ausbildung system, and help you analyze the benefits and drawbacks to see if this program aligns with your professional objectives.
What is an Ausbildung Course?
An Ausbildung system is a unique combination of classroom theory and vocational work experience that is referred to as an apprenticeship. It is a trade or vocational skill program that is employed via a contract. These programs take two to three years to complete, and during that time you will spend the majority of your program, or approximately 70%, working for a company, and the remaining 30% attending a vocational school to learn the theory of your work. This system is tried and tested, and allows graduates to be subject matter experts in their field. While traditional university programs are a great achievement, they do not prepare a student for a trade or a particular vocation. The system also aids graduates in fostering and developing professional industry relationships and networks.
Why Does Germany Require Global Apprentices?
Germany has a growing shortage of skilled employees. A demographic talent gap occurs as older employees retire without a younger cohort to fill those jobs. The Statista report states that there are half a million skilled vacancies in Germany's economy [2]. The German government recruits foreign workers to fill the unoccupied roles. The Indian student population sees this as a good opportunity. Employers are highly flexible toward hiring foreign workers.
"The German economy relies on the dual vocational training system. It enables young workers to receive training in a specific skill area that is required by business."
Top Ausbildung Sectors for Foreign Students
Some sectors welcome foreign skilled applicants because of the growth potential.
Nursing and Health Care: There is a large demand for nurses, and you learn treatment of patients.
Information Technology: There is a large demand for IT testers, and you learn coding.
Hospitality and Hotel Management: There is a large demand for hotel staff, and you learn service for guests.
Mechatronics and Engineering: There is a large demand for factory staff, and you learn maintenance of machines.
Logistics and Supply Chain: There is a large demand for warehouse staff, and you learn inventory management.
According to the German Federal Employment Agency, nursing and IT are the most demanding areas of employment in Germany [3]. During nursing training, most nurses are offered permanent positions by the hospitals training them.
How Much Will You Earn?
You will sign a contract with an employer prior to starting your program. This contract secures a guaranteed monthly training stipend. These salaries are monitored by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training. The average monthly training stipend is between 800 to 1200 euros with the final amount contingent on your chosen field.
Salaries are incremented with years of experience and education. As a general rule, first-year students are the lowest paid. Second-year students are paid a modest increase. Third-year students are paid the highest training stipend. Further, you will receive your standard employment benefits. You will receive paid time off, health insurance, and the employer will pay a portion of your social security.
Who Can Apply for an Ausbildung?
The basic education requirement to apply for an Ausbildung is fairly simple. You need to have completed at least 12 years of schooling, which is the equivalent of a secondary school in India. A bachelor’s degree is not required. Age generally is not a barrier. The preference for the majority of companies is that applicants are between 18-25 years of age. The primary requirement, however, is having a great level of commitment and the willingness to learn.
"Earning a monthly stipend while learning alleviates the burden of financing international studies. Students can thus concentrate on developing their skills and profession, free from the burden of student debt."
The B2 German Language Requirement
Most foreign applicants for this position cite language as their most serious barrier. You will be working in a German company. You will be attending a German vocational school. Your final exams will be in German. This means you must be proficient in the language.
Most employers expect applicants to be at least B1 or B2 level German speakers. The Goethe-Institut has international certification for these levels of language skills [5]. You are recommended to start learning German at least one year before your planned date of application. It is a vital step and the most common reason for application rejection.
Steps to Apply for an Ausbildung
There is a lot of planning that goes into this process, and you cannot just get up and go. You must follow the steps outlined here.
Achieve a minimum of B1 or B2 German language level.
Have your school certificates from India translated into German.
Have a German CV and Bewerbungsunterlagen prepared.
Make direct applications to German Unternehmen.
Pass an Online Video Interview.
Receive your formal training contract.
Apply for a German Ausbildung visa.
The following is a list of common mistakes to avoid:
Simple mistakes are made by many international applicants. Their chances of selection can go down the drain with these errors. The first error is to apply without the ability to speak the language. If you do not speak German, you will be rejected right away by the Companies. The second error is to send a generic resume. German employers are looking for a custom-made solution for each and every position. The third error is neglecting to prepare for the interview. In order for your formal video interview, you have to practice your German speaking skills.
The first test is a perfect formatted German CV, which will demonstrate to strict employers that you are aware of their business culture and that you have given the details.
Students wishing to apply from India will be required to obtain a visa.
To begin an Ausbildung, Indian students must have a particular type of visa. These strict rules are explained in detail in the Make it in Germany portal [6]. Must hold a German training contract from a recognised German employer. It is required to provide evidence of the ability to speak German through a valid certificate. Additionally, the German Federal Employment Agency requires approval.
Sometimes your monthly training allowance is less than the percentage of living cost requirement. If this is the case, then you may have to pay by a blocked account to make up the financial difference. This is a good sign that you can support yourself financially during your first year.
Life After Graduation
At the end of your course you are awarded a recognised German trade certificate. This certificate is recognised to a high degree throughout Europe. It is possible to remain in Germany to work as a fully qualified professional. Most apprentices just remain with their training company. A permanent settlement permit can be applied for later.
After graduation, your career does not end! The Ausbildung program in Germany is one of the biggest advantages for continuing professional growth and they have job vacancies in germany for indian . There are more classes available to the 'master craftsman'. This is known as a Meister qualification in Germany. A Meister can be a self-employed individual. They can also be used to train new apprentices. You're a valuable employee, no matter where you go, because of your hands-on experience.
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