In recent years, the trend of vocational training in developed countries has become a practical, optimal, and cost-saving choice for Vietnamese students. In particular, German vocational training conditions are assessed as accessible, suitable for many subjects, and providing long-term work and settlement opportunities. When researching this program, many young people ask which major to choose for vocational training in Germany, and whether there are any sectors lacking human resources? In addition, questions related to vocational training in Germany such as what degrees are needed, whether financial proof is required, what level of German is needed, or which vocational sectors are suitable for men and women are also very common. To help you have the most comprehensive view, this article will summarize all essential information, from entry requirements, study paths, potential industry groups to reasons for choosing a reputable consulting unit like PDT International Education to accompany you on this important journey.
Overview of Vocational Training in Germany
Dual training model – learning goes hand in hand with practice
Programs Ausbildung – the official name of the German vocational training system – is a dual training system between schools and businesses. Accordingly, trainees both learn theory at vocational schools and have paid internships at companies, hospitals, hotels, factories... During 2.5–3 years of vocational training, students will receive an average internship salary of 800 – 1,200 EUR/month, significantly reducing the financial burden.
Tuition fee incentives and settlement opportunities
One of the biggest plus points of vocational training in Germany is that trainees are almost completely exempt from tuition fees, supported by the German government through long-term human resource training policies. After graduation, trainees are allowed to stay for 18 months to find a suitable job and can completely switch to a labor visa or apply for a permanent residency card if they have a stable work contract.
Latest German Vocational Training Requirements for Vietnamese Students
Suitable educational level
Candidates need to graduate from High School, Intermediate, College, or University depending on the registered industry. However, high school graduation is the minimum and most common requirement for Vietnamese students. Some technical or nursing industries may require candidates to have studied some specialized subjects or have practical work experience.
Ideal age
The recommended age when applying for vocational training is from 18–30 years old. For technical, restaurant – hotel, or medical industries, trainees up to 32–35 years old can still be considered if they have corresponding study and work records.
German language proficiency
To attend the Ausbildung program, candidates need a minimum German level of B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Some industries such as nursing and healthcare will require level B2 or higher. Achieving the German standard not only helps you easily interview for a Visa but is also a key factor for studying well and communicating in the German business environment.
Health and background records
Candidates need to have good health, not suffer from infectious diseases, and have a health certificate according to international standards. In addition, it is necessary to submit Judicial Record No. 1 to prove no criminal record – a mandatory factor in the Visa review process.
Which Vocational Sectors in Germany are Lacking Human Resources?
Nursing – the “vedette” in vocational training
The nursing industry is always in the top priority group with a starting salary after graduation from 2,500 – 3,200 EUR/month. This is a suitable choice for females who love caring work, have patience, and desire long-term settlement in Germany.
Restaurant – Hotel industry
For those who are dynamic, love an international environment, and have good communication skills, the restaurant – hotel industry is a reasonable direction. In addition, the professional kitchen field is also very developed, with high income and many attractive job positions.
Technical, mechanical, electrical – electronic industry group
For males with a technical background or a passion for machinery, the mechanical – technical industry is a choice with an employment rate of almost 100% after graduation. The average income is from 2,800 – 3,500 EUR/month, with easy promotion after 3–5 years of work.
IT and information technology
Some states in Germany have started implementing the Ausbildung program in the IT field. This is a rare opportunity for those passionate about technology and having a long-term development orientation in the digital field.
Which Major Should I Choose for Vocational Training in Germany?
Based on personal interests and abilities
The choice of study major should be based on personal strengths, passion, and long-term goals. For introverts who love meticulousness, they can choose nursing or kitchen. Active people who love customer service should follow the restaurant – hotel industry.
Based on German market demand
Choosing the right industry that Germany is lacking in human resources will help you easily apply for a Visa, be accepted by businesses, quickly switch to a labor visa after graduation, and have a higher settlement capability. Statistics show that nursing, restaurant – hotel, and engineering are in the top 3 industry groups specially encouraged by the German government to attract foreign labor.
Standard Procedure for Preparing Vocational Training Applications in Germany
Necessary documents
- Passport valid for over 1 year
- High school diploma or higher degree
- Minimum B1 German certificate
- Curriculum vitae (with notarized translation)
- International health certificate
- Judicial record No. 1
- Motivation letter, personal CV
- Financial proof documents (blocked account or guarantee letter)
- Vocational training contract from the business or admission letter from the vocational school
Application processing time
Total time from preparing the application until leaving for Germany averages from 6–12 months. In which, the language learning phase takes from 6–8 months (to reach B1 level), the rest is the time for document processing, applying for a training contract, and Visa interview.
Why Choose PDT International Education as a Vocational Training Partner?
Nearly 10 years of experience – Hundreds of successful Visas
PDT International Education established in 2015, is a leading reputable unit in the field of study abroad consulting, foreign language training, and supplying high-quality labor for developed markets such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
Professional German training – Unit granted international certificates
Not just simply application consulting, PDT is also the only unit in Vietnam authorized to organize exams and grant internationally recognized German language certificates. Teachers at PDT are all lecturers with many years of experience, with in-depth curriculum that closely follows the actual exams in Germany.
All-in-one service – Support from learning to settlement
PDT provides a full package of services from career counseling, foreign language training, document processing, Visa interview practice to supporting students in Germany after enrollment. Not only helping you study abroad successfully, PDT also accompanies you long-term to support labor Visa conversion, applying for settlement, and sponsoring relatives when necessary.
Conclusion: Vocational Training in Germany – A Realistic and Smart Path for the Future
It cannot be denied that German vocational training is one of the most attractive, economical, and effective choices for Vietnamese students today. With a training program combining theory and practice, being paid while studying, along with the possibility of settlement after graduation, this is the shortest path to a solid professional future in Europe. However, to conquer this journey, you need to clearly understand the German vocational training conditions, clearly define which major to choose for German vocational training, and most importantly, choose a reputable partner to accompany you. PDT International Education – with deep expertise, nearly 10 years of experience, and lifetime accompanying service – is the reliable companion helping you realize your German dream. Don't hesitate, contact us today for free consultation and to set up the most suitable study – work path for you!
