career in Germany
Discover the possibilities: vocational training and career in Germany
Welcome to EMSIG HR Services, your gateway to exciting career opportunities! Germany offers a variety of opportunities for skilled workers from abroad, especially in the trades, healthcare and gastronomy sectors.
We understand that finding the right education and work can be challenging, especially in a foreign country.
That's why we're here to guide and support you on your journey.
The German economy has a big problem, there is a lack of skilled workers. Last year, 69,000 training places were vacant, plus over 800,000 vacancies. This situation will get even worse in the next few years because a large proportion of the remaining skilled workers will retire and not enough young people will follow. So these are the best prerequisites for a successful career in Germany.
Advantages of an apprenticeship in Germany?
Practical orientation: Vocational training in Germany is characterized by a dual approach that combines theoretical learning and practical training on the job. This ensures that you have already gained valuable professional experience by the time you complete your training.
High quality standard: Germany is known worldwide for its high standards in education. With a professional qualification from Germany, you can make a positive difference on the international job market.
Wide range of opportunities: Germany offers an impressive variety of recognized training occupations, especially in the areas of healthcare, trades and gastronomy. Whether you're passionate about the intricacies of the craft, want to make a significant contribution to healthcare, or have discovered your passion in the hospitality industry, you'll find a tailor-made apprenticeship here that perfectly suits your interests and skills. Germany has first-class training programs in these sectors that will give you the best possible start to your career.
The dual training system is a core component of the German education system. The "dual" in "dual training" refers to the two different learning environments in which trainees acquire their skills and knowledge: in the company and in the vocational school.
In-company training: Most of the training takes place directly in the training company. Here the trainees learn practical skills and gain practical experience through direct work in their chosen professional field. You work under the guidance of experienced employees and get to know the everyday tasks and challenges of your job. They are fully integrated into the company's procedures and processes.
Vocational school training: In addition to in-company training, the trainees regularly attend vocational school. At the vocational school, they are taught the theoretical aspects of their chosen professional field. This includes both specific specialist knowledge and general subjects such as German, economics and social studies. The lessons at the vocational school supplement the practical training in the company and enable the trainees to put their experiences into context and to deepen their understanding of the occupational field.
Dual training in Germany usually lasts between two and three and a half years, depending on the profession. At the end of the training, the trainees take a final examination, which is usually carried out by the responsible chamber of industry and commerce or chamber of crafts. After successful completion, the trainees receive a certificate that proves their qualification in their chosen profession.
Apprentices receive a salary during their training, more precisely a training allowance. There are no fees for the vocational school. The average training allowance in Germany in 2022 was €1,028 per month. About 20% of this is deducted for social insurance, so trainees are also fully insured for health and accidents.
The German, dual training system is recognized worldwide for its success in preparing young people for working life and plays a key role in ensuring the high quality standards in German industries and professions.
What is working with us like?
In the first step we get to know each other. We talk about your wishes and ideas. We also answer all your questions.
We will then prepare your application documents with you and present them to potential employers in Germany.
If there are matches, you will get to know your potential new employer and have your first job interviews.
If you can both imagine working together, you will receive an apprenticeship contract from your future employer.
With the training contract and proof of language proficiency in German at language level B1 (GER), you can apply for a training visa at the German embassy. Here, too, we are happy to help with the application.
Now you can start: We organize your trip to Germany and your adventure begins.
If you have any questions, we are always happy to help you. Even later, if you have already started your training in Germany and are facing a challenge that you would like help with, you can still contact us.
Our service is free for you. We receive a commission from the employer for the successful placement.
What are the advantages of working in Germany?
High working standards
In Germany, employees are fully protected by strict labor laws that guarantee their rights and promote a safe and healthy work environment.
working hours
As a rule, working hours in Germany must not exceed 8 hours per day, but can be increased to up to 10 hours under certain conditions. In addition, there are strict guidelines regarding breaks and rest periods between working days.
Paid vacation
Full-time employees in Germany are entitled to at least 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on a 5-day work week. However, many employers allow more, usually around 25 to 30 days per year.
sick pay
If you become ill as an employee in Germany, you are financially secure. In the event of illness, the salary will continue to be paid for up to 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the health insurance pays sick pay, which is usually 70% of the salary.
Maternity Protection
Pregnant women and young mothers enjoy special protection in Germany. This includes a ban on employment before and after the birth, during which the employees receive their full wages, as well as protection against dismissal during pregnancy and until the end of parental leave. After the birth, you receive parental allowance for 1 year (approx. 70% of your salary).
wage level
Wages in Germany are high in international comparison. There has been a nationwide minimum wage since 2015, which is regularly increased. This is currently €12 per hour. There are also industry minimum wages, which are usually higher and apply to skilled workers within a specific industry.
Germany has a social security system that offers extensive protection for employees. It provides comprehensive protection and helps to mitigate risks and secure the standard of living. It consists of 5 pillars:
Health insurance
It covers a large part of the costs for medical treatment and medication. The contributions are shared between the employee and the employer.
pension insurance
This insurance provides an old-age pension and, in some cases, a disability pension. As with health insurance, the contributions are shared between the employee and the employer.
unemployment insurance
It offers financial support if you lose your job. Contributions are also shared between employee and employer.
care insurance
It offers support if you need care due to illness or old age. Contributions are shared between employee and employer, with childless people having to pay a small additional contribution.
accident insurance
This insurance is paid in full by the employer and provides protection against accidents at work and occupational diseases.
What's next after the training?
Once you have completed your training, there are 2 options. Either your training company will take you on as a regular job or you will look for a new job.
In Germany, it is not uncommon to look for a new employer after completing your training in order to gain more professional experience. Your salary is now significantly higher. The minimum wage for a regular employee in Germany is €12/hour. For a normal full-time position with 40 hours per week, this results in a monthly salary of around €2,000, from which around 30% taxes and social security contributions are deducted. However, since you have now completed vocational training, your starting salary should be significantly higher.
If you have completed your training and are now working for another 2 years in your learned profession, you have the option of applying for a permanent settlement permit in order to be able to live in Germany without restrictions.
If you have any questions, please send us an email or contact us via our contact form. Alternatively, you can go directly to our detailed application form below. Please answer as detailed as possible, this will make it easier to work with the German embassy when applying for a visa.
Note: a Google account is required for use. This allows documents to be uploaded securely.Tip: If you are using the Chrome browser, you can use the Google Translate extension to translate the form into your language.