Understanding Ausbildung Contracts Before You Sign

Getting the offer for your Ausbildung in Germany might be considered the best result of your long efforts on preparation and searching for the company. However, do not rush with signing the document. It is very important for you to understand the meaning and clauses of the contract as it may prevent you from numerous issues in future.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we always advise our students to pay much attention to their Ausbildung contracts, as they contain information vital for future work. Here is what you should know prior to signing this document.

What Is the Ausbildung Contract

The Ausbildung contract, also called in Germany as Berufsausbildungsvertrag, is a signed agreement between the trainee and the training company. It specifies your rights, responsibilities, and the terms of training for the whole period which is two or three years.

In contrast to the usual job contract, Ausbildung contract is regulated by special laws which guarantee you protection from the possible unfair behavior of the employer.

Key Clauses You Should Read

Duration and Training Schedule

Each and every Ausbildung contract includes specific information about the date of the start and ending of the training and the organization of the training itself in accordance with the agreement between the company and the vocational school. Please make sure that these dates are consistent with what was agreed on with the recruiter or company representative during your interview.

Probationary Period

Almost all Ausbildung contracts have a probationary period that lasts one to four months. In case of its presence, either side may terminate the contract in an easier way and with less notice compared to the rest of the training period. Thus, pay attention to this clause, as it reflects the security of your contract in the first months of it.

Work Hours and Rest Breaks

The labor law in Germany is strict with working hours of the trainees under the age of 18. Thus, your contract should contain clear information regarding weekly work hours and rest breaks, if there is any issue regarding overtime. If something seems suspicious, please do not hesitate to ask questions.

Paid Vacation Days

Paid vacation days are provided to you as a trainee in Germany, and this information should be included in your Ausbildung contract. There shouldn’t be any guessing game here about this matter.

Responsibilities of the Employer

An adequate Ausbildung contract states what the employer guarantees you to provide: adequate supervision, protective equipment if needed, and learning material that you may require for the development of your skills. This point helps to protect you from exploitation as a cheap source of workforce.

Termination Clauses

It is essential to read the termination clauses several times, as it describes the situations when you or the employer can terminate the contract after the probation period. It will help you to avoid any unpleasant surprises if your situation changes throughout the training period.

Common Mistakes That Students Usually Do

Many of them rush into signing their contracts due to their desire to get the opportunity or fear of missing it. Many of them avoid reading all the information as it is written in the German language. And many students think that the guarantees that the interviewer gave to them verbally are included automatically in the contract.

This is exactly why having guidance matters. At BCES Admissions Abroad, our team reviews contract structures with students so they walk in fully informed, not just hopeful.

Questions You Should Always Ask

Do not sign until you have made inquiries from the company about anything that is unclear. Find out the specific department/trade that you will train in, as some of the contracts provide vague information. Find out if there will be accommodation support, transport allowances, and any other paperwork required in your visa process.

Conclusion

The Ausbildung contract is much more than just signing on the dotted line. The Ausbildung contract is what you will build your professional life upon in Germany. Spend time reading through the entire document, translate any part that is hard to understand, and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Are you preparing for your Ausbildung training and require the best advice on how to understand your contract terms? BCES Admissions Abroad can assist you all along the way from application through to getting to Germany. Contact us at +91 9319996330.