Start your Ausbildung in Germany
Earn while you learn: an Ausbildung combines paid work in a company with classes at a vocational school. We help you find training places and prepare strong applications – free of charge for you.
What is an Ausbildung?
Learn a profession – and get paid
Germany's dual vocational training is known worldwide. You spend part of your time working in a company and part at a vocational school (Berufsschule). Trainees receive a monthly training allowance, and after 2–3.5 years you finish with a recognised qualification.
- Paid from the first month
- Recognised German qualification
- Great job prospects after your training
- Possible pathway to permanent residence later on
Typical requirements
- A school leaving certificate (recognition may be needed)
- German at B1 level – many employers prefer B2
- A training contract with a German company
- A visa for vocational training if you live outside the EU
- Proof that you can cover your living costs if the allowance is too low
Requirements can vary by occupation, employer and embassy. We check your individual situation. See the full requirements checklist (2026) →
Popular fields
Where we help you apply
Hotel & hospitality
Hotelfachfrau/-mann, restaurant specialist – welcoming guests from all over the world.
Gastronomy
Koch/Köchin (cook), baker, confectioner – for people who love food.
Logistics
Warehouse logistics, professional driver, freight forwarding – a sector with strong demand.
IT & office
IT specialist, office management – for organised and tech-minded people.
Trades & technology
Electronics, mechatronics, plumbing, construction – hands-on and in demand.
Health & care – language only
For WHO-list countries (e.g. Nigeria), placement in care is reserved for the Federal Employment Agency. We prepare your German.
How it works
From application to training contract
- 1
Apply with the form below
Tell us about your education, German level and the occupations you are interested in.
- 2
Send your documents
Send us your CV and certificates by email or WhatsApp. We prepare a professional German CV.
- 3
We apply for you
We search for matching training places and send tailored applications – always with your approval.
- 4
Interviews and contract
We prepare you for interviews. Once you have a contract, we guide you through the visa process.
Apply now
Your Ausbildung application
It takes about 5 minutes. Afterwards, send your documents to info@germanpathways.de or on WhatsApp.
Questions
Ausbildung – FAQ
What is an Ausbildung?+
An Ausbildung is a vocational training in Germany that combines practical work in a company with classes at a vocational school. It usually takes 2 to 3.5 years, and trainees receive a monthly training allowance.
Which German level do I need?+
Most companies and the visa for vocational training expect at least B1 German; many employers prefer B2. We help you reach the level you need.
Do I have to pay GermanPathways for applications?+
No. Under German law (§ 296a SGB III), people looking for training must not be charged for placement. Our application support is free for you.
Can you place me in nursing or care training?+
For applicants from countries on the WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards List (including Nigeria), only the German Federal Employment Agency may recruit or place people in health and care jobs and training (§ 38 BeschV). We therefore offer German preparation only for these fields. You can apply on your own initiative or through the Federal Employment Agency's programmes.
How do I send my documents?+
After submitting the form, send your CV, school certificates and language certificate (if you have one) by email to info@germanpathways.de or on WhatsApp.