Opportunities for training

Answers to the following questions are provided here:

• What types of training exist?
• Who is offering the training?
• Where can I find support for training guidance?

What types of training exist?

Training for Recognition is divided into two groups:

• Compensation measures may be examinations or courses intended to lead to recognition in Regulated professions, e.g. an Adaptation period for a nurse. The Competent authority determines which measure is necessary. However, applicants usually have the right to choose. An adaptation period, Aptitude test or Knowledge test are possible.
• Refresher training allows Substantial differences to be compensated for in Non-regulated professions, e.g. a course in e-pneumatics for an industrial mechanic or a bookkeeping course for office managers. How substantial differences can be compensated for in non-regulated professions is not specified in the Recognition notice . Relevant practical or theoretical training from training providers or in companies should be coordinated with the competent authority in order that the training and the Follow-up application result in recognition.

In many regulated professions, knowledge of German at a specific level is required for authorisation to practise. However, even if knowledge of German is not required, it is an advantage when seeking work and in everyday working life.

Adaptation period

In an adaptation period, applicants work in the regulated profession under the responsibility of a qualified member of the profession. The practical work can be supplemented by theoretical additional training. The adaptation period relates only to Substantial differences.

Examples from practice

Physiotherapist Andelina Budimir used a six-month adaptation period at the Hamburg-Eppendorf University Clinic to compensate for the substantial differences in the Recognition Notice. In the adaptation period, practical deployments in clinical areas were supported by practical teaching and workshops.

Preparation for the Knowledge test

This type of training is often the alternative to an Adaptation period for persons with a qualification from a Third country.

In the knowledge test, the applicants demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies for the occupation. The test relates to the content of the key core subjects in the Professional qualification. This is not, however, a full final examination. A further subject or a related area in which Substantial differences were identified can also be tested. Relevant preparation courses prepare you for sitting the examination.

Example from practice

Dispensing chemist Lama Al Khouja from Syria completed online training to prepare for the knowledge test. She then successfully completed the knowledge test and the specialist language examination.

Preparation for the Aptitude test

As an alternative to an adaptation period, applicants with a qualification from the EU/EEA/Switzerland can also take an aptitude test. The aptitude test assesses the ability to practise a regulated profession. It is used as evidence that the substantial differences are compensated for. Relevant preparation courses prepare you for the content of the aptitude test.

Refresher training for Non-regulated professions

No specific refresher training is required by the competent authority for non-Regulated professions. The substantial differences can, for example, be compensated for by theoretical measures or by training in the company. Since substantial differences are often very individual, this is also the case for the training. Often, therefore, these are not offered in groups, but only as individual measures.

Examples from practice

Samad Hamuch from Spain attended refresher training for his recognition as an electronics technician specialising in automation technology. Here he was taught the knowledge and skills which are not part of his training.

Training and alternative procedures regardless of Recognition

Those interested in recognition who receive a negative outcome in their Recognition notice or with poor prospects of recognition are able to participate in training. For example, coaching on integration in the labour market is offered regardless of any recognition procedure. If you do not receive recognition in a dual Training occupation, then under certain conditions you are able to immediately sit a final examination and in this way obtain the German journeyman certificate. Specific preparation courses are offered for this type of External examination. The external examination is regulated under Section 45(2) of the Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and Section 37 of the Crafts and Trades Regulation Code (HwO).

Example from practice

Psychologist Salam Omer Mussttaf Al-Gailani from Iraq used a virtual training measure to make use of the time until he received his Statement of Comparability. This was a combination of phases of independent learning, tutorials and several events at which attendance was mandatory.

Who is offering the training?

Training provision from the Network “Integration through Qualification (IQ)” and other training can be found using the KURSNET database. Network IQ also has an interactive map available which can be used to search for subprojects relating to training. Other courses offered and general continuing Vocational education and training can be researched in the IWWB database (InfoWeb Weiterbildung). The Chambers of commerce and industry (IHK) and the chambers of crafts and trades (HWK) also offer training. The competent authority is able to help you with this. Where required, practical training can also be completed with the employer or in the company.

UBAconnect: Finding skilled workers via refresher training

The “UBA connect” pilot project brings together companies and skilled workers to support refresher training: With help from UBAconnect, companies are able to find appropriate skilled workers in Chamber of Industry and Commerce occupations and in the craft trades. They employ the skilled worker for the period of the refresher training and also undertake parts of the training. They also provide practical educational experience, for example in the use of specialist machines, and release the skilled worker for external training. In this way they support the skilled worker on their path to full recognition and, over the long-term, are able to recruit new employees. Companies which are interested can find out more information on the “Professional recognition for business” (UBA) project page and register free of charge.

UBAconnect project page

When choosing it is important to carefully check whether substantial differences can be compensated for with the training. Whether the relevant courses and its providers are eligible for funding is also important when financing the training. For example, only training and providers with approval under the German Regulation on the Accreditation and Approval for Employment Promotion (AZAV) are funded via SGB II and SGB III (German Social Code Book II and III).

Support for training guidance

The Network “Integration through Qualification (IQ)" funding programme regularly issues publications through the Competence Centre for Counselling and Job Training of Migrants on various aspects of Recognition, and also on training and on recognition counselling and qualification guidance:

Publications about training and about recognition and training guidance