School-based initial training in the German VET system

Training qualifications that may be acquired at full-time vocational schools and at healthcare sector schools particularly include the specialist healthcare occupations governed by federal law (e.g. nursing professions, speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy). These training programmes are usually of three years’ duration, and overall responsibility is borne by the school. Learning venues for practical training include outpatient or inpatient institutions in the healthcare system. There is also a multitude of training programmes in the healthcare, education and social sectors that is subject to federal state law (such as care assistant or childcare assistant).

Training programmes leading to an “assistant” qualification (e.g. technical assistant, commercial assistant) are likewise governed by federal state law. The latter mostly comprise two years of school-based training courses offered on a full-time basis. They are supplemented by a practical company placement. Training in such occupations can frequently be pursued on a part-time basis.

Full-time vocational schools fall within the remit of the federal states. Formal conditions of entry normally apply to attendance at such schools. Completion of training is in accordance with the regulations applicable to the occupation in question and takes place via a school-based examination in which the Schools Inspectorate is also involved. In contrast to dual training, trainees do not usually receive a training allowance. Only in some occupations, a training allowance is paid in a similar way to dual training. Instead, private vocational school providers often require the payment of school fees.

Students at partially qualifying vocational schools are mostly obtaining school leaving qualifications via the second-chance route or else are undergoing basic vocational training. Such schools are significant to the so-called transitional sector between school and work.

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