What does retraining mean?

Have you given up your original job or can no longer do it in Germany? Or do you simply want to start a new job that offers better opportunities? Then retraining could be just the thing for you. But what exactly is it - and for whom does retraining make sense?

In this article, we explain step by step what retraining is, how it differs from training and further education, what you need to bear in mind as a foreigner in Germany - and where you can find suitable jobs or retraining offers.

What is retraining?

Retraining is a special form of professional reorientation. It is aimed at people who can no longer or no longer wish to pursue their previous profession for health, economic or personal reasons. The aim is to learn a completely new profession within a shortened training period - usually 2 years full-time.

Retraining is available in many sectors, for example:

• in the skilled trades (e.g. HVAC plant mechanic, electrician)
• in industry (e.g. industrial mechanic)
• in the healthcare sector (e.g. nursing staff)
• in the office sector (e.g. office management assistant)
  
  

Retraining takes place either in a company with a vocational school (dual model) or in an educational institution. It is often funded by the employment agency or pension insurance - if certain requirements are met.

Retraining compared to training or further education

Retraining is not a traditional apprenticeship, even if you end up with a recognized professional qualification. The big difference is that you need previous work experience for retraining, ideally also a previous degree. Retraining is significantly shorter than a regular apprenticeship (2 instead of 3 years).

In contrast to further training, retraining teaches you a completely new profession. Further training, on the other hand, usually requires you to stay in your original profession - only with new skills or a specialization. If you are interested in further training but have no training, take a look at this article: Further education without training - options

Whether retraining or further training suits you better also depends on whether your previous professional qualification is recognized in Germany. For example, if you are a craftsman and want to become a master craftsman, you need to meet certain requirements.

Benefits of retraining for foreigners in Germany

For people from abroad in particular, retraining in Germany can be an important entry into the job market - especially if your original vocational qualification is not recognized here or you would like to work in a different field.

For many retraining courses you need:

• a school-leaving certificate or vocational qualification (also from abroad)
• Sufficient knowledge of German, usually at least B1 level
• for third-country nationals: a valid residence permit with a work permit
• sometimes a recognition of your old profession by the responsible body (e.g. IHK, HWK)
  
  

Whether you come from the EU or from outside the EU makes a bureaucratic difference. You can find more information about working in Germany as an EU citizen here.

If you are already living and working in Germany, retraining can secure you long-term prospects - with better job opportunities and often a higher salary.

Practical examples of retraining

Here are some typical retraining occupations in craft and technical fields:

• Electronics technician for energy and building technology: particularly in demand in the building sector and for renewable energies
• Industrial mechanic: retraining for technology enthusiasts with an interest in machines and production
• HVAC plant mechanic (sanitation, heating, air conditioning): in high demand in the skilled trades, especially for modernization and due to the energy transition
• Automotive mechatronics technician: for anyone with an interest in cars, electronics and workshop work
  
  

These professions offer a high level of job security because there is a shortage of skilled workers throughout Germany - especially in the skilled trades and industry.

Find retraining, apprenticeships and jobs in Germany

Would you like to reorient yourself professionally - or arrive in Germany properly? Then WorkerHero is the right place for you. Here you will not only find jobs in trade, industry, logistics and technology, but also articles on tasks, salaries and entry opportunities in all blue and gray professions.

Regardless of whether you already have professional experience or are just starting out: WorkerHero helps you to find your way - comprehensibly, transparently and at eye level. Especially if you come from abroad, you will find reliable information to help you find your way around the German job market. Just take a look around www.workerhero.com - and find the next step for your professional future.