Lehrling

Lehrling is a person undergoing vocational training in German-speaking countries. The term is commonly used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to describe someone learning a trade or profession under a formal contract called an Ausbildungsvertrag. A Lehrling works in a company, receives practical instruction, and attends a Berufsschule for theoretical education.

Originating from Lehre, meaning instruction or apprenticeship, the word reflects a long-standing tradition rooted in medieval craft guilds. The modern usage corresponds to the dual education system that combines on-the-job training with classroom learning.

Training in the dual system involves practical training in a company while theory is provided by vocational schools. Apprentices earn a wage and are mentored by experienced staff. At the end of the training, a standardized examination leads to a professional qualification and a certificate. After completion, many become a Geselle or Facharbeiter; some continue with higher qualifications such as Meister or equivalent, enabling them to run a business or train new apprentices.

The length of an apprenticeship generally ranges from two to four years, varying by occupation and prior education. Apprentices have labor rights, receive paid training, and are subject to applicable working hours and holiday provisions. They typically hold a contract and are protected under employment law.

In contemporary practice, the dual training model remains central to vocational education in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, though structures and terminology vary by country and sector. The Lehrling system is widely used to address skilled labor demand and the transition of youth into work, with ongoing adjustments for digitalization and mobility.