Qualification search

What kind of qualification type is it?

This qualification is a dual vocational education and training (3-year and 3½-year training course). The vocational education and training system is highly significant in Germany. Central importance in this regard is attached to training within the dual system, which facilitates access to many areas of occupational activity for which in other countries training at an institute of higher education is required. The system is described as “dual” because training is conducted at two independent training venues, the company and the vocational school. Training combines the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and practically related competences with company practice. Successful completion of training confers the right directly to exercise the occupation in question as a qualified skilled worker in a state recognised training occupation. It also leads to the subsequent opportunity to access a wide range of upgrading training.

Those completing training hold the professional skills, knowledge and competences (employability skills) necessary for the exercising of a qualified occupational activity. They are in possession of competences for the autonomous planning and processing of professional tasks assigned within a comprehensive area of learning or field of occupational activity which is subject to change.

Which learning outcomes are achieved?

• Work autonomously and in a customer oriented way to execute works on the basis of work orders, carry out planning and design works either alone or as part of a team and coordinate work with other trades
• Plan work, set up workplaces
• Stipulate stages of work steps and materials and components required and initiate safety, health and safety at work and environmental protection measures at the workplace
• Conduct discussions with customers
• Check the quality of the work for any errors in execution, document works
• Carry out quality assurance measures and hand over work to customer
• Record materials and time used and invoice for services provided
• Check and evaluate underlying surfaces and prepare such surfaces for coating
• Carry out protective measures for surfaces and objects not to be treated
• Treat, cover, coat and design surfaces
• Maintain and repair surfaces
• Carry out finishing and installation works, carry out plastering, insulation and dry wall works
• Conduct measurements and document results
• Select, set up, operate and maintain implements, tools, machines and equipment for the job at hand
• Erect and dismantle temporary scaffolding
• Operate vertical lift working platforms, set up and maintain hoists and conveyors
• Process materials and components
• Apply ceiling, wall and floor coverings
• Draw up and implement plans for room and facade design
• Produce lettering and signs
• Carry out energy efficiency measures
• Carry out wood and building protection measures

Which competent authority issues the qualification certificate?

Chamber of Crafts and Trades

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements. Compulsory schooling of nine or ten full-time school years have to be completed. The training relationship is constituted via conclusion of a vocational education and training contract with a private sector company or comparable institution.

How is the qualification acquired?

Training takes place at a company and at a vocational school. During company-based training, trainees acquire practically related competences within a real working environment. On one or two days a week or during blocks of one to two weeks’ duration, trainees attend vocational school, where general and occupationally related contents of a theoretical nature are imparted in a way that is linked to the practical training provided at the company. Training concludes with a final examination conducted by the examination board of the competent body.

Persons who are able to demonstrate that they have been employed in an occupation or in another relevant training occupation for a period at least one and a half times as long as is prescribed for the period of initial training or who are able to produce certificates or other evidence to prove that they have acquired sufficient employability skills may also be admitted to the final examination (so-called “external examination”).

What follow-up options are there?

Following vocational education and training and an appropriate period of practical experience, persons completing the qualification have the opportunity to obtain a state-regulated upgrading training qualification.

Usually with the proviso that they have gained at least three years of occupational practice and after successful completion of an aptitude assessment procedure, they may, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 6 March 2009, acquire a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.