Germany’s system of dual technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is much admired worldwide. To ensure that this remains so, it is crucially important to respond to major trends and developments. The amendment enables the German government to set the scene in an important way for the TVET of the future. Attractive vocational training is also indispensable to ensure the availability of the skilled workers that will be needed in future.

Federal Education Minister Anja Karliczek stressed, "This law will make dual vocational education and training even more attractive in Germany. Every young person can thus be offered a suitable opening. That is why it is important to us to make it clear with this amendment that dual training in Germany is modern, flexible and effective, and that it will remain so."

Minimum remuneration for trainees

One important provision is the introduction of a balanced and unbureaucratic minimum remuneration for trainees. It is to apply to new training contracts as of 1 January 2020, that are not covered by collective bargaining agreements. Initially, the minimum remuneration in the first year of training is to be 515 euros a month. In 2021 this will rise to 550 euros, in 2022 to 585 euros and in 2023 to 620 euros.

In the further course of training the minimum remuneration is to rise, by 18% in the second year, 35% in the third year and 40% in the fourth year of training. "This is a tangible reflection of the growing value of the trainee to the value generation within the company," explained Anja Karliczek.

Clear formal qualifications for advanced vocational training  

Another important aim of the amendment is to ensure the international competitiveness of TVET. In Germany there are already a huge number of qualifications and designations, such as service technician, process manager, business administrator, specialist in marketing, and business administration specialist.

This jungle of professional designations should soon become past history. In higher TVET the following qualifications are to be awarded in future: "Geprüfte/r Berufsspezialist/-in" (certified specialist), "Bachelor Professional" and "Master Professional".     

Part-time training  

The chance to train on a part-time basis is also to be extended. Hitherto, this has only been open to strong trainees who are single parents or acting as carers for family members.

In future this is also to be open in particular to migrants and refugees, people with learning difficulties and people with disabilities. The prior permission of the company providing the training is needed before a person can undertake part-time training.

More new regulations

In addition, the examination system in vocational education is to become more flexible and it is to be easier to move from one occupation to another where they build on one another. The amendment also offers the opportunity to modernise, simplify and shorten procedures, cutting red tape.

The amended Vocational Training Act will come into force on 1 January 2020.