Further education without training: Your options

In Germany, an apprenticeship is a crucial step for your professional future. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience and prepares you specifically for the requirements of a particular profession, but what if you don't have a training place or want to work in a new field as a career changer? Does that mean you have to do the same thing forever? No. There are many ways to do further training without an apprenticeship and seize new career opportunities.

In this article, you will find out what options are available, in which sectors further training is possible and how you can shape your career path despite not having any training.

What does continuing education mean in Germany?

Further training is a targeted professional qualification that enables you to acquire new skills or deepen your knowledge in a specific area. It is primarily aimed at people who already have professional experience and want to develop or specialize further. In Germany, there are various types of further vocational training:

• Adaptation training: This is where you learn new technologies or working methods for your current job.
• Advanced training: This prepares you for a management position, e.g. through further training as a master craftsman or technician.
• Retraining: If you want to switch to a new profession, you can do a retraining course. This usually takes 1-2 years and is suitable for career changers.
• Online courses and certificates: There are many flexible training courses that you can do alongside work or from home.

If you have completed training abroad and would like to know how it is recognized in Germany, you can find out more about the recognition of foreign training here.

Can I also take part in further training without training?

Yes, that is possible! There are various further training courses that are also available without prior training. For career changers in particular, there are many opportunities to gain specific qualifications for a new profession.

Here are some possibilities:

• Retraining: Retraining is an alternative vocational training for career changers who want to switch to a new profession. It is particularly popular in sectors with a shortage of skilled workers, e.g. in care or logistics.
• Lateral entry: In many industries, experience counts for more than a degree. If you already have practical knowledge, you may be able to do further training to put yourself in a better position.
• Courses and certificates: There are numerous online and face-to-face courses that provide you with further qualifications. Many of them do not require a degree.
• Funding programs: If you are unemployed or earn little, in some cases you can have further training financed by the employment agency.

If you are interested in a new job as a career changer without training, you can find more information here.

Examples of further training without training by sector

Depending on the sector, there are various options for further training without an apprenticeship. Why should you do them? Adding a qualification to your CV is generally a brilliant opportunity to earn more in your current position or get a better job elsewhere.

Here are some examples of further training:

Building & Craft

• Safety courses for construction sites
• Welding and craft courses
• Technical training for machine operation

Logistics & Transportation

• Forklift and driving licenses for warehouse work
• Further training for professional drivers
• Training for logistics software

Care & Health

• Qualification as a care assistant (no training required)
• First aid courses and care training
• Further training in home economics and senior care

IT & Digitization

• Programming courses for beginners
• IT support training
• Certificates for digital tools (e.g. Microsoft, SAP)

Gastronomy & Tourism

• Barista or cooking courses
• Training in the hotel and catering industry
• Service and sales seminars

If you would like to do a regular apprenticeship and already speak German at B1 level, you can find helpful information on apprenticeships for foreigners with B1 level here.

Further education without training is possible!

Even without a completed apprenticeship, you have many opportunities in Germany to further your education and advance your career. Whether through retraining, targeted courses or specialized training - with the right further training, you can significantly increase your chances on the job market.

If you are looking for a job, WorkerHero can help you. We place qualified jobs in Germany - even if your German language skills are not yet perfect. In our magazine you will also find many helpful articles on careers, further training and employment law. Take a look, find out more and find the job that suits you with WorkerHero!