Are you thinking about studying or working abroad? What if you could be trained and paid at the same time? Ausbildung, a vocational training program offered in Germany, gives professionals a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn, get practical training and receive a monthly salary.
This vocational training program invites both local and international professionals from a wide variety of industries to develop valuable skills for their careers and earn a living in Germany.
Trainees receive theoretical education in vocational schools and practical training in companies. The training program usually takes 2 – 3.5 years depending on the profession and trainees usually receive a monthly salary of €800 – €1200 (Ksh 120,800- Ksh 180,000). There are two types of ausbildung programs:
- Dual Ausbildung – trainees work for a firm while attending vocational school part time
- School-based Ausbildung – trainees mainly attend vocational schools with internships in companies.
Some of the most in-demand industries in this program include:
- Manufacturing and Engineering
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Information Technology
- Retail and Commerce
Graduates of the Ausbildung program are highly marketable in the German job market due to the knowledge and skills they acquire. It is also an internationally recognized program, allowing trainees to apply for jobs globally. Once you’ve completed the program, you can apply for permanent residency in Germany after a few years.
Qualifications for Kenyans to apply for Ausbildung in Germany
- D+ and above in KCSE (C and above for some industries)
- B1-B2 level in German language
- Over 18 years old (no age limits though young professionals are preferred)
Requirements for Kenyans to apply for Ausbildung in Germany
- Visa application form (downloaded from the Germany embassy website)
- Declaration of accuracy of information
- KCSE certificate
- Motivation letter
- CV/Resume
- Recognized German language certificate
- 2 recent passport photos (not older than 6 months)
- Valid Kenyan passport (valid for at least 12 months beyond your intended stay with 2-3 blank pages)
- Visa fee
- Training contract from a German employer
- Rental agreement or Proof of accommodation from your training company
- Additional financial proof if your salary is below the legal minimum of €950
- Valid health insurance covering you from entry into Germany until the start of Ausbildung (after starting, you’ll be covered by German statutory health insurance)
Note: all documents must be translated into German by a sworn translator. CV/Resume must be in Lebenslauf (German format), signed and dated.
Process for Kenyans to apply for Ausbildung in Germany
- If you don’t already have a German language certificate, enroll in a recognized institution for a German language course and acquire a B1 or B2 certificate before applying
- Search for Ausbildung opportunities in sites like Make It In Germany and Ausbildung
- Prepare your CV, motivation letter, KCSE certificate and German language certificate for job applications
- Start applying for training programs. Once accepted, the company will send you a contract
- Download the National visa (D) for vocational training application form from the German embassy website
- Upload the required documents which include a filled application form, 2 passport photos, signed Ausbildung contract, KCSE certificate, German language certificate, CV, motivation letter, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial proof (if applicable)
- After submitting your documents, book a visa appointment through the German embassy website
- Attend your visa interview on your appointment date. Submit your documents and give biometric fingerprints
- After the interview, you will wait for 6-12 weeks for the visa processing
- Once approved, you will receive a National visa (D) which allows you to travel to Germany and start your Ausbildung
Things to note
- Training usually starts in August/September every year. It’s important to start your application early so you can arrive on time.
- Learning German in Kenya takes 9-12 months (if full-time) for B1 level and 3-6 months more for B2 level.
- It’s advisable to start searching and applying for Ausbildung opportunities 3-6 months before intake to ensure you have the contract early for the visa application process.
- It might take 1 ½ to 2 years for the entire Ausbildung process.
- Learning German might cost Ksh 120,000- Ksh 165,000 depending on the level and institution. Document translation can cost between Ksh 15,000- Ksh 30,000. The entire process can cost between Ksh 400,000 and Ksh 600,000.