How is vocational training beneficial to businesses in Germany?

Due to its blend of theory in the classroom and training in a real-life work setting, Germany’s dual system of vocational training is well-renowned across the world. The dual system is firmly established in the German education system and is often used by businesses seeking productive and competent staff. Germany has also been welcoming foreigners to join vocational training programs for a long time.

What is vocational training?

Vocational training, known as apprenticeship training, is a popular option to begin working right out of school due to the dual system, in which students work and study at the same time. The curriculum is designed specifically for non-academic careers.

Participants in the dual system spend around 50–70% of their time in firms and the remainder in vocational schools allowing them to receive on-the-job training and experience. Trainees may work three to four days a week at the company, factory, firm, or shop and spend the rest of the week learning at a vocational school, depending on the profession.

What are the benefits of vocational training?

Vocational training offers many benefits to businesses. It gives employees better hands-on understanding of roles and tasks and produces more competent staff as employees are more confident in their job role. This in turn increases productivity and profitability. Training can also be conducted flexibly to fit around the business needs, and skilled employees can also continue working as experts in the firm whilst gaining other credentials that will benefit the business.

Having a well-trained workforce is of excellent value to your business. Vocational qualifications can help show whether training targets are being met and assess the skills development of individual workers. Having staff who have vocational qualifications means well-trained employees who are likely to help improve the profitability of the business.

What funding is available for vocational training in Germany?

Initial and continuing vocational training in Germany is funded by a combination of public and private sources. The in-house training is paid for by the businesses. The federal states subsidise vocational schools, as well as local government equipment and infrastructure. The federal government funds initiatives are aimed at enhancing and promoting the apprenticeship system.

The Federal Ministries of Education and Research, Economic Affairs and Energy, Labor and Social Affairs and the German Federal Employment Agency are in charge of allocating public funding. These costs are associated with the creation, improvement, implementation, and promotion of apprenticeship.

Inter-company vocational training centres or training structures are mostly run by public law bodies or non-profit private trade associations. The responsible body’s resources are supplemented by subsidies from the federal employment agency, the federal government, and the states. The chambers obtain their funding through the dues of the compulsory member companies.

Need advice and guidance on doing business in Germany?

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