Upskilling / Reskilling in the Tourism Sector in Germany

The vocational education and training process in Germany is flexible and offers a wide range of entry, training and further education opportunities. Trainees, mostly in the dual vocational training system, and students pursuing an academic degree at universities can enter the system depending on their level of education and professional interests and obtain their professional qualifications through various examinations and certifications. These enable direct entry into the labour market, but also numerous further training pathways to develop professionally and reach higher positions.

1. Structure of vocational training in the dual system in Germany

Dual vocational training in the hotel and hospitality industry in Germany is a practice- orientated system that combines theory and practice. It offers trainees the opportunity to acquire the necessary specialised knowledge both in the company (practice) and at vocational school (theory).

Here is an overview of the structure:

Training locations/ mentoring:

Dual training in Germany essentially involves 2 places of learning. The company is responsible for imparting the practical learning content and the vocational school for acquiring the theoretical knowledge.

The company is responsible for the practical, job-specific training. All necessary skills and knowledge are taught in order to develop the ability to act professionally and to gain initial practical experience. In the companies, the trainers are responsible for training the trainees. In order to be employed as a trainer in Germany, it is obligatory to complete an additional qualification, which is examined by the relevant chambers. This increases the quality of the training and confirms suitability as a trainer.

The vocational school provides the theoretical knowledge that is specifically tailored to the training occupation and is specified by the framework curriculum. The framework curriculum of the vocational schools is drawn up in close coordination with the vocational training framework curriculum. The lessons cover vocational and general educational content and are taught by specialised teachers.

Vocational training framework curriculum

The vocational training framework curriculum is defined by the responsible federal ministries for each occupational profile. It serves as a guide for trainers and trainees and describes the training content. The vocational training framework curriculum lists all the knowledge, skills and abilities that trainees are expected to acquire during their training.

Duration of vocational training

Initial training in the hospitality industry comprises 2 or 3-year vocational training programmes in Germany and varies depending on the desired occupational profile. The exact duration of the respective training occupation is defined in the vocational training framework curriculum, which is applied throughout Germany.

Examination

After about half of the training period, the level of knowledge is tested in an intermediate examination organised by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce or the Chamber of Crafts.

Vocational training ends with a final examination organised and conducted by the relevant chambers (Chamber of Industry and Commerce or Chamber of Crafts). The examination includes a practical and a theoretical part. After passing the examination, the trainees receive a recognised vocational qualification.

Involved institutions

The training company

The training company is the central location for practical training. Here, the trainees are directly involved in the company's work processes, carry out activities in the workplace under various conditions and learn the necessary skills.

Qualified trainers

In the companies, qualified trainers are responsible for imparting skills and knowledge. They instruct trainees and teach them the necessary practical skills. The trainer plans the implementation of the training in the company, supervises and supports the trainee, coordinates with the vocational school and the chambers and evaluates the practical performance of the trainees.

Vocational trainees

Trainees benefit from the cooperation between the companies and the vocational schools and learn the necessary professional and theoretical knowledge. Their duties include taking part in practical training in the company and theoretical training at the vocational school. They are actively involved in the company and acquire skills under the guidance of trainers. They keep a report booklet to document their learning progress, which must be submitted to the relevant chamber.

Vocational school

The vocational school teaches the theoretical basics required for the chosen training occupation and supplements the practical training in the company. Subject-related and general educational content is taught. The learning content is specified by the framework curriculum. Lessons take place either as block lessons (block of lessons lasting several weeks) or on fixed days per week.

Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and Chambers of Crafts (HWK)

The chambers have a supervisory and regulatory function in vocational training. They ensure that training is carried out properly and that training standards are adhered to. The IHK is responsible for commercial and technical professions and the HWK for skilled trades, e.g. in the kitchen or bakery sector. The agreed training contracts are registered by the companies with the relevant chamber. Their tasks include advising training companies and trainees and monitoring the quality of training. The chambers organise and conduct the examinations and issue the final certificates.

Professional organisations and guilds

Professional associations and guilds represent the interests of the respective industry and often support and promote vocational training. In co-operation with the chambers, they develop and update training content and examination requirements in order to meet the current requirements of the respective sectors. They support training companies through regular training courses and information events.