Ausbildung Courses in English: How to Find the Right Program

Germany’s vocational training system, known as Ausbildung, has long been a cornerstone of the country’s education and employment landscape. It offers a structured combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practical experience, making it an excellent pathway to enter the workforce with industry-relevant skills. However, for non-German speakers, finding Ausbildung courses in English has been a challenge—until recently. With the rise in demand for international talent, many industries in Germany have started offering Ausbildung courses in English, making vocational training more accessible to a global audience.

In this article, we’ll explore the industries offering Ausbildung in English, how to find these programs, and what to expect from the application process.

Overview of Ausbildung Courses in English

Ausbildung in Germany traditionally requires a good command of the German language, as most vocational programs are conducted in German. However, with an increasing need for skilled workers in certain sectors, especially in IT, healthcare, and hospitality, more programs are now being offered in English. This change aims to attract international talent to Germany’s thriving industries.

Key Benefits of Ausbildung in English:

• Accessibility: It provides non-German speakers with the opportunity to participate in vocational training without requiring immediate fluency in German.
• Work Experience: Ausbildung programs combine academic learning with practical, on-the-job training, offering real-world experience.
• Salary: Students typically earn a salary during their training, making Ausbildung an attractive option for those who want to learn and work simultaneously.

While English-language Ausbildung programs are still relatively new and less common, they are steadily growing, especially in industries where the demand for skilled workers is high.

Industries Offering Ausbildung in English

Although the number of Ausbildung courses conducted in English is still limited, certain industries have recognized the need to offer training in English to attract global talent. Here are the key sectors where you are most likely to find Ausbildung in English:

IT and Technology Ausbildung

Germany’s booming tech sector has a high demand for skilled professionals, particularly in roles like software development, IT support, and network administration. As many tech companies in Germany operate in English, it makes sense for them to offer Ausbildung courses in English as well.

Common Ausbildung courses in this sector include:

• IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker): A popular course for those interested in programming, database management, and system integration.
• Software Developer: Focuses on coding, software architecture, and project management.
• Network Technician: Provides training on networking infrastructure, security, and systems management.

Healthcare Ausbildung

The healthcare sector in Germany is facing a significant shortage of skilled workers, especially in nursing and elderly care. To fill this gap, some institutions are offering healthcare Ausbildung programs in English.

Available courses include:

• Nursing: Courses for general nurses and specialized care nurses are now being offered in English to attract international applicants.
• Medical Assistant: Provides training in supporting doctors and healthcare professionals in clinical settings.

Hospitality and Tourism Ausbildung

Given the global nature of the tourism industry and the high level of international visitors in Germany, many hotels and restaurants are now offering Ausbildung programs in English.

Courses in this sector include:

• Hotel Management: A comprehensive course that includes training in front-desk operations, guest services, and event management.
• Restaurant Specialist: Focuses on food and beverage services, customer relations, and management of hospitality operations.

Logistics Ausbildung

Logistics is another key sector offering Ausbildung in English. With the rise of e-commerce and global trade, there is a growing demand for skilled workers in warehouse management, transportation logistics, and supply chain management.

Courses in logistics include:

• Warehouse Logistics Specialist: Focuses on managing storage, inventory, and supply chain operations.
• Freight Forwarding Agent: Covers transportation planning, freight management, and customs regulations.

How to Find Ausbildung in English

Finding Ausbildung programs in English is challenging, as they are not as widespread as their German counterparts. However, there are several resources and strategies you can use to identify these opportunities.

Online Job Portals

Many companies and vocational schools advertise their Ausbildung programs on job portals that cater to international job seekers. Some of the most popular websites to search for Ausbildung in English include:

• Make it in Germany: A government-run platform that provides detailed information on living, working, and studying in Germany. They often list Ausbildung programs specifically targeted at international candidates.
• StepStone: One of Germany’s largest job portals, StepStone features listings for Ausbildung positions across a variety of industries, including those offered in English.
• Indeed Germany: Another popular job board where companies post Ausbildung opportunities. You can filter your search by language to find English-speaking programs.

Company Websites

Some international companies and larger German firms offer their Ausbildung programs in English, especially in industries like IT and logistics. It’s worth visiting the careers section of company websites to check if they offer English-language vocational training.

Notable companies that might offer Ausbildung in English include:

• Siemens (technology and engineering)
• Deutsche Post/DHL (logistics and supply chain)
• SAP (software and IT services)

German Chambers of Commerce (IHK)

The German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Industrie- und Handelskammer, IHK) is a key resource for finding Ausbildung opportunities. While most of their programs are in German, certain regional IHK offices in major cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich may have listings for Ausbildung programs in English, especially in sectors with high demand for international workers.

International Recruitment Agencies

Some recruitment agencies specialize in placing international candidates in German companies. These agencies often have partnerships with firms offering Ausbildung in English, making them a valuable resource for job seekers.

Universities and Vocational Schools

Some universities and vocational schools offer English-language programs as part of their Ausbildung offerings. These institutions may collaborate with companies to offer a dual training program where part of the coursework is done at the school, and part is completed on-site at the company.

What to Expect from the Application Process

The application process for an Ausbildung in English is similar to applying for a standard Ausbildung program in Germany. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

Qualifications

Most Ausbildung programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. For international applicants, this may mean providing proof of your academic qualifications, such as a secondary school certificate or equivalent diploma. Some programs, particularly in healthcare and IT, may require additional qualifications or relevant experience.

Language Requirements

While the Ausbildung course may be in English, some programs may still require a basic knowledge of German, especially if you will be interacting with customers or patients. It’s worth checking the specific language requirements for each program, as some might offer German language courses alongside vocational training to help you improve your proficiency.

Visa Requirements

If you’re an international applicant from outside the EU, you’ll need to obtain a visa to participate in an Ausbildung in Germany. The process typically requires proof of acceptance into a program, proof of financial stability, and health insurance. It’s essential to apply for your visa as soon as you receive your offer letter, as the process can take several weeks or months.

Combining Ausbildung with Learning German

Even if you find an Ausbildung course in English, learning German is highly recommended for your long-term career in Germany. Many training providers offer German language courses alongside the vocational training, which can help you integrate better into the workplace and improve your job prospects after completing the Ausbildung.

Ausbildung in English is an excellent opportunity for non-German speakers to access Germany’s renowned vocational training system and gain valuable work experience in one of Europe’s leading economies. Although these programs are still emerging, industries like IT, healthcare, hospitality, and logistics are leading the way in offering English-language training.

By utilizing job portals, company websites, and vocational school listings, you can find Ausbildung courses in English that match your career goals. While language may no longer be a barrier to starting your training, learning German remains essential for long-term success and integration into the German job market.