A very good choice
There is much to be said in favour of dual vocational training. Two apprentices explain why they decided to take this option.
![Ahmed Alkasem began training to be an industrial mechanic in 2019. Ahmed Alkasem began training to be an industrial mechanic in 2019.](/sites/default/files/styles/image_carousel_mobile/public/media/image/tdt_25112022_duale-ausbildung_azubis_ahmed-alkasem.jpg?itok=sN8hKzPy)
What career do I want to pursue? That is one of the big questions in life for young people. In Germany the dual vocational training system offers one answer. The choice is enormous: according to the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), in 2020 there were 324 state-recognised training occupations. We asked two apprentices why they decided to complete a dual vocational training programme.
Ahmed Alkasem from Syria is training as an industrial mechanic in Bavaria:
“I came to Germany in 2015. After learning German and completing my intermediate school leaving certificate, I looked into what kind of job I could do. That’s how I came upon the career of the industrial mechanic. I found the firm where I’ve been training since 2019 through the Federal Employment Agency. First I did an internship there before deciding to sign up for a training programme. Germany’s dual training system has many advantages: value is placed on theory as well as practice, you’re paid while you’re training and afterwards you’re very highly qualified.”
![Florian Herold is in the third year of this apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic. Florian Herold is in the third year of this apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic.](/sites/default/files/styles/image_carousel_mobile/public/media/image/tdt_25112022_duale-ausbildung_azubis_florian-herold.jpg?itok=plt7PKiF)
Florian Herold from Germany is training as an industrial mechanic in Baden-Württemberg:
“I decided in favour of a dual vocational training programme to have the variety between theory and practice and ensure things wouldn’t get too monotonous. I regard training as a foundation, because I’m not yet quite sure what I want to do career-wise: whether I will complete an advanced training programme to become a master craftsman or engineer or perhaps even study at university. My apprenticeship creates the foundation that will enable me to work as a specialist or complete more advanced training programmes.”
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