Apprenticeships in Germany
Ausbildung — learn, work,
earn from €724 per month.
They pay you — not the other way around.
Ausbildung is the German dual vocational training system — you combine working at a company with learning at school, earn a salary from day one and finish with a certificate recognised across the EU. Frankfurt (Oder) is 20 minutes from Słubice.
🤔 What is Ausbildung?
Short and clear — no fluff
🏭
3-4 days at the company
Learn the trade hands-on — from real experts, with real equipment.
1-2 days at school
Berufsschule (vocational school) — theory, exams, certificate at the end.
💶
Paid from day 1
Minimum 724€/month, average over 1100€. Not an unpaid internship.
In Poland an apprenticeship often means unpaid work where you bring your own materials. In Germany, with Ausbildung the company pays you, buys the tools and funds your schooling. After 2–3 years you hold a certificate recognised in 27 EU countries and usually a full-time job right away.
💰 How much will I earn? Poland vs Germany
Verified data for 2026
🇵🇱 POLSKA
Vocational school internship
Pay
Often 0 PLN
Tools / materials
Your own or none
Duration
1–3 months
After completion
Certificate of attendance
🇩🇪 NIEMCY
Ausbildung (dual training)
Salary (statutory min.)
724 – 1014€ /mies.
Average in practice (2024)
~€1,133 gross
Duration
2–3.5 years
After completion
EU certificate + job
Minimum Ausbildung pay 2026 (BIBB)
Year 1
724€
Year 2 (+18%)
854€
Year 3 (+35%)
977€
Year 4 (+40%)
1014€
Source: Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung (BIBB), October 2025. In practice many companies pay more — average €1,133 (2024).
Example trades and Ausbildung pay
Mechatronik
~1150€ /mies.
3.5 years | IHK
⚡ Elektronik
~1200€ /mies.
3.5 years | HWK
🍳 Koch/Köchin
~900€ /mies.
3 years | IHK
🏗️ Maurer
~1300€ /mies.
3 years | HWK
💻 Fachinformatiker
~1100€ /mies.
3 years | IHK
💇 Friseur/in
~750€ /mies.
3 years | HWK
Approximate amounts that vary depending on the company and region. Calculate net →
📋 How to start Ausbildung? 4 steps.
No agency, no middlemen. Here is how it really works.
1
Choose a profession and find a company
Germany has over 320 dual training professions. You can find positions through:
— Lehrstellenradar (HWK app with job listings)
— IHK Ostbrandenburg — commercial, office and IT professions
— HWK Frankfurt (Oder) — skilled trade professions
— azubi-ostbrandenburg.de — portal with regional job listings
— Or through DuoRegio — listings tagged "Ausbildung" below
— Lehrstellenradar (HWK app with job listings)
— IHK Ostbrandenburg — commercial, office and IT professions
— HWK Frankfurt (Oder) — skilled trade professions
— azubi-ostbrandenburg.de — portal with regional job listings
— Or through DuoRegio — listings tagged "Ausbildung" below
2
Sign a contract with the employer
Ausbildungsvertrag — an official contract registered with the IHK or HWK. It sets the salary (min. €724), working hours and training programme. The company must be certified as an "Ausbildungsbetrieb".
3
You work and learn for 2–3.5 years
3–4 days at the company + 1–2 days at the Berufsschule. It can be shortened with good results. HWK Frankfurt (Oder) has a training centre in Hennickendorf.
4
Certificate + job
Examination before the IHK/HWK → a certificate recognised across the EU. It opens the path to the Meisterbrief (master craftsman title = equivalent to a bachelor’s degree), your own business or further career. Most graduates get a job from their training company.
🗣️ What about language?
Help is closer than you think
I don’t speak German — is it possible?
It depends on the profession and the company. Many companies accept an A2/B1 level to start and fund further language learning. Look for listings with the tag „ Language course" — these are companies that help with German.
Institutions that can help:
— HWK Frankfurt (Oder) — the Willkommenslotse programme: an advisor helping companies integrate trainees from abroad
— IHK Ostbrandenburg — commercial, IT and office professions (ihk.de/ostbrandenburg)
— IHK-Projektgesellschaft mbH — training centre, courses, certificates
— As an EU citizen you need neither a visa nor a work permit
— IHK Ostbrandenburg — commercial, IT and office professions (ihk.de/ostbrandenburg)
— IHK-Projektgesellschaft mbH — training centre, courses, certificates
— As an EU citizen you need neither a visa nor a work permit
💼 Ausbildung offers in the region
Apprenticeships with pay — 20 km from the border
🔜
First Ausbildung offers coming soon!
We are working with companies from the region — offers will appear shortly.
Looking for more? Check also:
💬 FAQ
How old do I have to be?
You can start Ausbildung from age 15–16 (depending on the federal state). There is no upper age limit — some people start Ausbildung after 30. Most begin between 16 and 20.
Do I need the German Abitur?
No. Requirements depend on the profession and company. For many Ausbildung a lower secondary school certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) is enough. Polish certificates are recognised. Some professions (e.g. IT) prefer the Abitur, but it is not mandatory.
Do I have to live in Germany?
Not necessarily. Frankfurt (Oder) is 20 km from Słubice — many employees commute. But for Ausbildung it is worth being close to the company (school + work). Some programmes offer accommodation — look for listings tagged „🏠 Accommodation".
What is the difference between IHK and HWK?
IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce) — trade, IT, office, logistics.
HWK (Chamber of Crafts) — mechanic, electrician, cook, hairdresser, carpenter.
Both register contracts, run examinations and issue certificates. In the region: IHK Ostbrandenburg and HWK Frankfurt (Oder).
HWK (Chamber of Crafts) — mechanic, electrician, cook, hairdresser, carpenter.
Both register contracts, run examinations and issue certificates. In the region: IHK Ostbrandenburg and HWK Frankfurt (Oder).
What is a Mini-Job?
Employment up to €520/month — tax-free. Good to start with, but it is not Ausbildung — it gives neither a certificate nor a profession. If you want a career, Ausbildung is the better path.
Does DuoRegio charge fees?
No. Browsing offers and applying is completely free.
🇵🇱 What about Poland?
Ausbildung is not emigration — it is an investment
🏠
You can live in Poland
Frankfurt (Oder) is 20 minutes from Słubice. Many trainees commute — you save on rent and earn in euros. €724 in Słubice means a completely different quality of life than in Berlin.
📜
The certificate works in Poland
The IHK/HWK certificate is recognised across the entire EU. After Ausbildung you can return to Poland and start a business or work with the German certificate — that is a market advantage.
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Comparison with the Polish vocational school
At a Polish vocational school: the apprenticeship is often unpaid and you bring your own materials. With Ausbildung: the company pays you at least €724/month, buys tools and funds your schooling. After 3 years you have a certificate and usually a job. Calculate how much that is in PLN →
Polish companies are hiring too
Companies in the Lubusz region serving customers from Germany are looking for people who speak German. Ausbildung + Polish = the ideal combination. Check listings with the 🇵🇱 filter.
Your move.
You don’t have to work for free. See how much you can earn while learning a trade 20 km from home.