Berufsausbildung

Berufsausbildung, or vocational education and training, refers to organized programs that prepare individuals for skilled occupations in the German-speaking world. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland it is often structured as a dual system that combines on-the-job training with formal schooling.

In the dual system, a trainee signs a training contract with an employer and attends a part-time vocational school (Berufsschule) for theoretical instruction. Training durations typically range from about two to three and a half years, depending on the occupation. Throughout the program, trainees gain practical experience on the job while also learning theory relevant to their field. Examinations assess both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, and successful graduates receive a nationally recognized certificate.

Germany relies on a statutory framework, primarily the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG). Training is usually overseen by industry-specific chambers (IHK) or crafts chambers (HWK), which issue certificates after final or intermediate exams. Apprenticeship stipends are common, and trainees have legally protected rights under the training contract.

Austria emphasizes the Lehrbetrieb and Lehrabschlussprüfung, with durations varying by occupation and region. Switzerland maintains a federal VET system, combining apprenticeships with general education and leading to a federal VET diploma (and in many paths, access to higher education).

Outcomes include a recognized professional qualification, access to skilled employment, and further education options such as Meisterprüfung, technical diplomas, or programmes at universities of applied sciences. Berufsausbildung is a core element of the labor market and social mobility in German-speaking countries.