Training for foreigners as educators

Do you enjoy being creative, working with children and exploring the world with them? If you're thinking about training as an educator in Germany, you've come to the right place! In this social profession, you have very good prospects for the future in Germany and - also due to the shortage of skilled workers - are in a very secure job as a trained educator. Here we explain the most important steps you need to take to learn this profession - even as a foreigner! Find out here what requirements you need to meet, how the recognition of your previous training works and how to find suitable training places in Germany. The most important thing here: Even if you don't speak perfect German, there are many opportunities in Germany for you to work as an educator. 

Here's a little tip: It makes a big difference whether you want to work in Germany as an EU or non-EU citizen. Depending on this, you will have different requirements to be allowed to work in Germany. If you want to find out more about what to expect as an EU citizen if you want to work in Germany, read our article: Working in Germany as an EU citizen. But don't worry: the information in this article generally applies to EU and non-EU foreigners!

Educator training: Your opportunities in Germany

An educator looks after and supports children and young people. In Germany, this can be in crèches (up to the age of 3), kindergartens, daycare centers, after-school care centers or other social institutions. In Germany, the profession is one of the most popular social professions, as it offers a lot of variety, creative opportunities and responsibility. Although the training profession is so popular, you have a very good chance of finding a job or training place in Germany because more childcare staff are needed almost everywhere!

Training to become an educator usually takes place at a vocational school for social pedagogy and generally lasts three years. A practical part is often integrated, the so-called recognition year, in which you work directly in a facility and can directly apply what you have learned - so you can also take responsibility for your own group in just a short time! 

Our tip: You can find more information about apprenticeships in Germany, the most frequently requested requirements and other apprenticeships where you have very good chances even with a B1 language level here: Training for foreigners with B1.

Requirements for training as an educator as a foreigner

To start training as an educator in Germany, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the most important points:

• School-leaving certificate: As a rule, an intermediate school-leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) is required, but this is not a must! So if you don't have a school-leaving certificate, you can still impress with a good application and in the interview!
• Language skills: A German level of at least B1 is often required as you will be working directly with the children. Schools and employers expect you to be able to communicate well with them. 
• Practical experience: Some technical colleges require a pre-study internship in the social sector. This means you spend a few weeks in a facility and learn the basics. This also has the advantage for you that you can be sure whether you will enjoy working as an educator. 

A practical tip from us: As an educator, it is really essential to have a good understanding of the language and you will have much better job opportunities! Intensive language courses and preparatory courses are the quickest way to learn - the employment agency can also help you here, for example. You can also use offers such as adult education centers or online learning platforms. We have compiled the best tips and opportunities to learn German for free in our article.

Recognition of foreign training as an educator

If you have already worked in a similar profession in your home country and have completed formal training (including studies!), you can have your qualifications recognized in Germany. This has the advantage that you will receive the same salary as your German trained colleagues and can also take on the same responsibilities and tasks. 

The recognition of a foreign qualification can cost a lot of time, nerves and money. We therefore recommend that you inform yourself very well in advance and get in touch with the official advice centers - to get a good overview, click on our article 'Recognition of foreign training: How to'! 

The most important steps to have your training as an educator recognized: 

1. Find out about the right office, costs and advice options: To make sure that everything goes smoothly and you have all the documents, get advice from the official offices in advance. 
2. Collect documents: Prepare all certificates and proof of your education and work experience.
3. Have translations made if necessary
4. Submit an application: Submit your documents to the relevant recognition office.

If your training is not fully recognized, you can catch up on the missing parts through a so-called compensation measure. This means that you can catch up on the topics that were not covered in your foreign training (but were covered in the German training) in a so-called adaptation course. 

Search for apprenticeships and jobs as an educator

Finding a training place or job in Germany can be challenging. As an educator, it is best to take a closer look at several facilities and work there for a few weeks in advance - either as a temporary employee or directly as part of the probationary period. These tips will help you find a training place:

• Use job portals: Platforms such as WorkerHero are a great help. You can see exactly which institutions are advertising jobs and can find out about the position and its requirements in advance. On WorkerHero, for example, you can find specific vacancies for skilled workers, even if you don't speak perfect German yet.
• Direct applications: Find out about daycare centers and social facilities in your area - there is usually a facility in every small town where children are looked after. Our tip here: Just give them a call! Many facilities don't have time to maintain a website and this is the quickest way to get an answer. 
• Networks: Parents are usually very well informed about which daycare centers are currently short of staff - so you may be able to find your new training position through your circle of friends. You can also use social networks such as LinkedIn or local job search groups.

You can find out more information and what salary you can look forward to after completing your kindergarten teacher training here: Kindergarten teacher salary.

Why WorkerHero is the right choice for you

WorkerHero is your platform if you are looking for a job in Germany - regardless of whether you already have work experience or are just starting your training. You will also find helpful articles on our site that will make your start in Germany easier and give you valuable tips. Even if your German language skills are not yet perfect, you can find support and suitable offers here. Take a look and find your way to a successful career in Germany!