Five good reasons for alternance training in Rhineland-Palatinate
Cooperative alternance training is your launchpad into the German job market. With it, you combine practical learning with theoretical knowledge. Discover why an apprenticeship in Rhineland-Palatinate is the perfect start for your career in Germany.
A perfect mix of theory and practice
Alternance education and training is particularly successful in Germany and is highly regarded globally. In Rhineland-Palatinate, your learning schedule alternates between your company and your vocational school, which means you gain valuable practical experience from the very first day.
Wide range of apprenticeships
Rhineland-Palatinate offers various options for an apprenticeship. There is high demand among businesses for strongly motivated apprentices, be they in crafts and trades, industry, or the service sector.
Learn while earning money
Apprentices start out in working life directly and receive an apprentice salary from day one. This lets you feel financial independence for the first time even during your apprenticeship.
Excellent chance to stay on at company and develop a career
Once completed successfully, you have an excellent chance of being taken on by the company as an employee. If you’ve done a German apprenticeship, many doors will open for the rest of your career.
Enter the community and meet people
During your apprenticeship, you’ll work with other apprentices and attend vocational school together. You’ll develop connections quickly, can give each other mutual support, and will build up a professional network.
From Spain to Koblenz for an apprenticeship
Rodrigo, from Spain, had been fascinated by cars since childhood. Now, in Koblenz, he is turning his passion into a career as an apprentice vehicle mechatronics engineer. In this video Rodrigo shares what he appreciates about the alternance training in Germany and how he settled into his new home.
How alternance training works in Rhineland-Palatinate
What is alternance training?
In a alternance training program, practical tuition at a company alternates with theoretical tuition at a school. The apprentices are employees of the company from the start and familiarize themselves with operational practices. This combination of theory and practice makes Germany’s alternance training exceptional.
What happens in an apprenticeship?
Alternance training takes place at two venues: the company providing the apprenticeship and the vocational school. Depending on the profession being learned, the apprenticeship lasts between two and three and a half years. During this time, you’ll acquire robust technical knowledge while also gaining valuable professional experience.
Are there also other forms of apprenticeship?
Alongside classic alternance training there are also special forms of apprenticeships. For some professions, such as those in social work, foreign languages, or healthcare, you’ll spend less time at the company and more time at school. These apprenticeships also offer outstanding career prospects in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Explanatory video: Cooperative vocational training
Cooperative vocational training is highly regarded globally. In addition to the practical phases at the apprenticeship company, the up-and-coming skilled workers learn important, foundational theory at a vocational school. The practical and theoretical elements are closely aligned with each other. This video explains the benefits and special aspects of cooperative vocational training in Germany.
Dual higher education study
In Rhineland-Palatinate, you can also combine cooperative vocational training with study at a university.
Switching from university study to apprenticeship
Christian, from Cameroon, originally moved to Koblenz to study at a university. After a few semesters, however, he decided to swap the lecture room for an apprenticeship at a company. In this video Christian talks about who advised and supported him when he made the change from university study to an apprenticeship.
Find an apprenticeship here
Things you need to know when applying
Cooperative vocational training in Germany usually starts on August 1 or September 1. Depending on the company, you should apply six to twelve months in advance to get a place in time.
Important requirements:
- Secondary school diploma: For many professions, the apprenticeship providers like to see a certain secondary school diploma. However, it’s generally possible to do an apprenticeship even without a school diploma.
- German proficiency: usually at least level B1 or B2.
- Visa: If you don’t come from an EU country, you’ll need a valid visa.
Your opportunities after an apprenticeship
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, there’ll be many paths open to you. You can start studying at a university, continue your professional development with a Bachelor Professional, or venture into self-employment.
More about university study More about continuing professional education