A very good choice
There is much to be said in favour of dual vocational training. Two apprentices explain why they decided to take this option.
What career do I want to pursue? That is one of the big questions in life for young people. In Germany the dual vocational training system offers one answer. The choice is enormous: according to the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), in 2020 there were 324 state-recognised training occupations. We asked two apprentices why they decided to complete a dual vocational training programme.
Ahmed Alkasem from Syria is training as an industrial mechanic in Bavaria:
“I came to Germany in 2015. After learning German and completing my intermediate school leaving certificate, I looked into what kind of job I could do. That’s how I came upon the career of the industrial mechanic. I found the firm where I’ve been training since 2019 through the Federal Employment Agency. First I did an internship there before deciding to sign up for a training programme. Germany’s dual training system has many advantages: value is placed on theory as well as practice, you’re paid while you’re training and afterwards you’re very highly qualified.”
Florian Herold from Germany is training as an industrial mechanic in Baden-Württemberg:
“I decided in favour of a dual vocational training programme to have the variety between theory and practice and ensure things wouldn’t get too monotonous. I regard training as a foundation, because I’m not yet quite sure what I want to do career-wise: whether I will complete an advanced training programme to become a master craftsman or engineer or perhaps even study at university. My apprenticeship creates the foundation that will enable me to work as a specialist or complete more advanced training programmes.”
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