Question 1

Who helps if my apprentice from abroad needs support at vocational school?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Employment Agency offers assisted training (Assistierte Ausbildung) for this. Your apprentice receives tutoring and a fixed contact person, and you receive help with organising the training. The agency bears the costs and decides on participation in each individual case. The law does not distinguish between apprentices from Germany and from abroad (Section 74 of Book III of the Social Code).

Question 2

Can an apprentice with a training visa receive the vocational training allowance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, apprentices holding a residence permit for vocational training can also apply to the Federal Employment Agency for the vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe). It is a contribution towards living costs, and its amount depends on the training pay and the rent. Under Section 60 of Book III of the Social Code, only people who are still in asylum proceedings are excluded.

Question 3

Does the Federal Employment Agency pay if my skilled worker from abroad needs further qualification?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under Section 82 of Book III of the Social Code the agency contributes to wages and course fees if the training lasts more than 120 hours and is delivered by an approved provider. In companies with fewer than 50 employees this is up to 75 per cent of wages and the full course fee. In companies with 50 to 499 employees it is up to 50 per cent of wages and half the course fee, and in larger companies a quarter of each. As a rule, your employee's vocational qualification must date back at least two years.

Question 4

Does my apprentice still need a German course after arriving?

Accepted Answer

With our placements usually not, because all candidates already hold a recognised German certificate at B1 level or higher. If you would like to strengthen the technical language of your trade as well, you can use the vocational language course for apprentices run by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF). It is tailored to the occupation and to vocational school and is free of charge; you only release your apprentice for the course hours.

Question 5

Is there a funded German course for skilled workers who already work for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the BAMF offers vocational language courses for employees. With our placements you usually do not need it, because your employee obtained a recognised German certificate before arriving. If you would like to use it anyway, the course is free for employees on lower pay, and on higher pay a contribution applies, which you can cover for your employee.

Question 6

Who supports my company when the new employees arrive?

Accepted Answer

With our placements we support the first weeks in Germany ourselves. Independently of that, the welcome guides (Willkommenslotsen) of the chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of crafts advise companies with fewer than 500 employees free of charge on how skilled workers and apprentices from abroad settle in well. The federal programme runs until the end of 2027.

Question 7

Where do I apply?

Accepted Answer

You apply for assisted training and funded further training through the employer service of the Federal Employment Agency, which you can reach free of charge on 0800 4 5555 20. Your apprentice applies for the vocational training allowance personally at the Federal Employment Agency. The BAMF is responsible for the vocational language courses, and you reach the welcome guides through your chamber.

Funding for your company

For your apprentices

For your skilled workers

What you usually do not need when we place your staff

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