Other Forms Of Vocational Training : Germany

Aside from apprenticeship and part-time vocational school, there are a number of other training options utilized by young people. Two examples: The full-time vocational school (Berufsfachschule) offers vocational preparation courses lasting one to three years. These can be counted as part of an apprenticeship or can replace an apprenticeship entirely. The vocationally oriented upper secondary school (Fachoberschule) admits pupils with an intermediate school certificate.

The courses last two years (for those who have completed an apprenticeship, one year) and qualify participants for the Fachhochschule, a special type of higher education institution offering highly practice-related study courses of a scientific nature. Courses at the Fachoberschule cover theoretical instruction as well as training workshops and on-the-job training.

The Federal Institute for Employment provides DM 4.3 million a year for the rehabilitation of disabled young people. Under this scheme, employers are required to reserve at least six per cent of their total jobs for the disabled. Fines are imposed on those who do not comply.