On The Job Training : Germany

Practical on-the-job training, usually called an apprenticeship, takes from two to three and a half years, depending on the occupation, but in most cases three years. Young people may only receive training in state-recognized occupations for which accredited vocational training is required. For participants who have a university entrance qualification (Abitur) the apprenticeship may be shortened by six months, and by another half year if they perform exceptionally well.

The apprentice is paid a training allowance which increases annually. What has to be learned, and finally tested, for an occupation is set out in training regulations. These are issued by the responsible federal ministries and are based on proposals from the business associations and trade unions. The training concludes with an examination conducted by a board of examiners of one of the self-regulatory bodies of business and industry (such as a chamber of industry and commerce or a chamber of crafts and trades) or by similar bodies. On the board of examiners are representatives of employers and employees as well as vocational school teachers.

Over 500,000 firms in all branches of the economy, including the independent professions and the public service, provide vocational training. Larger enterprises have their own training workshops, but smaller firms train their apprentices right on the job. Where firms are too specialized to be able to impart all the necessary knowledge, they can send their apprentices to inter-company training centers in order to broaden their vocational skills.