New training year launched

Dual training offers young people a wide variety of opportunities. Whether it's practical professional experience, good career opportunities or a permanent position – here are six reasons why vocational training is worth it.

1. Huge range of occupations to choose from: Never heard of a technologist in confectionery goods, a saddler or a specialist in scene painting? With 327 recognised training occupations, dual training offers young people a wide variety of opportunities. Less well-known training occupations also have a lot to offer. So it's worth being open to something new.
2. Practice and theory: There are lots of benefits to dual vocational education and training – the combination of theory and practice is one example. In the training company, trainees learn about real-life work situations and processes. Whether it's by working with business partners or employees, practical experience means you quickly recognise what's important and develop your own professional competencies. Then comes the theory at the vocational school which is precisely tailored to the practical experience. In this way, the theoretical knowledge learned is quickly applied in practice.
3. Secure prospects: We've all been there. It's becoming increasingly difficult to book a skilled tradesman or tradeswoman. Demographic change means well-trained workers are sought after. In Germany they are desperately needed. All those opting for training today have great prospects of finding a job as they will then be one of the specialists in their profession.
4. Advancement opportunities: Advanced vocational training means it's possible to climb the career ladder. The upgrading grant (BAföG), for example, offers attractive benefits in terms of funding for aspiring master craftspersons, business administrators, technicians, nursery school teachers and other professional highflyers. Continuing vocational education and training also means you can learn something new and update and develop your knowledge.
5. Good earning opportunities: Does someone with an academic degree generally earn more than a trained skilled worker? This cliché persists but is not correct. How much money you subsequently earn mainly depends on the occupation and your professional experience. Advanced vocational training is another way in which skilled workers can significantly increase their salary.
6. Experience abroad in Switzerland, Belgium or, why not South Africa? Experience abroad is for trainees too, not just students. Since 2017, spending periods of learning abroad has been possible via the "AusbildungWeltweit" (VETWorldwide) programme. The Erasmus + programme also facilitates periods abroad for apprentices, specifically in Europe.

Through to October, in numerous events at national, federal state and regional level, those interested are being provided with important information as part of the "Summer of Vocational Education and Training". This covers careers guidance, attractiveness and variety of training as well as second-chance placements. The campaign is especially aimed at young people, parents and companies who are looking for training or offering training positions.