Contemplating a Change in Vocational Schooling?
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In Germany, changing apprenticeship companies outside the probationary period can be a complex process, but it is possible with careful adherence to formal procedures and valid reasons.
During the probationary period, which usually lasts between one and four months, the training relationship can be terminated at any time without notice or reason. However, after the probationary period, the contract becomes more binding, and changes are less flexible.
Key requirements and procedures for changing apprenticeship companies after the probationary period include:
- Legitimate grounds for switching: Apprentices generally need a valid reason to change companies after probation, such as serious breaches of contract by the employer, lack of training quality, or personal circumstances that justify termination or transfer.
- Mutual termination agreement or contract resignation: The apprenticeship contract, being a fixed-term training contract regulated under German Vocational Training Act (BBiG), cannot be terminated unilaterally without strong cause. Usually, an apprentice and employer must agree to end the contract prematurely by mutual consent.
- Notification to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or relevant body: Since apprenticeships are officially registered, changing companies often requires the approval or at least notification of the responsible IHK or craft chamber to ensure continuous training and proper certification.
- Transfer or new contract arrangement: After termination or agreement to end the first apprenticeship contract, the apprentice will need to sign a new contract with the new company. Remaining training progress must be recognized, so the new company and chamber often assess prior achievements.
- Legal restrictions on quitting: Apprentices generally face stricter rules than regular employees because vocational training contracts have a special status. The contract usually cannot end by resignation alone outside probation without a serious reason. Otherwise, disputes may arise.
- Advisory support: Apprentices are advised to seek guidance from vocational schools, chambers, or legal advisors before attempting a company change after probation to understand consequences for certification and legal standing.
While apprentices in Germany have relatively more mobility than in some other countries, the system emphasizes stable training relationships post-probation. Hence, changing companies after the probationary period is allowed but controlled, requiring mutual agreement and compliance with formal procedures overseen by chambers and governed under the Vocational Training Act.
If an apprentice is terminated outside the probationary period, they may be entitled to compensation, the amount of which depends on the circumstances of the termination and the applicable state regulations. Apprentices who are unsatisfied with their training should consider discussing their concerns with their supervisor or the Chamber of Industry and Commerce before deciding to terminate their training agreement.
For advice on problems and questions about apprenticeships, DGB Youth's online offer "Dr. Apprentice" can provide valuable assistance. The youth organization of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB Youth) also has a guide for starting an apprenticeship.
- "Desiring a shift in education-and-self-development, an apprentice may explore the possibility of transferring to another company after the probationary period, given legitimate grounds such as poor training quality or personal circumstances."
- "To further their learning experience, an apprentice, faced with certain challenges at their current place of training, can consider changing companies post-probation, but must adhere to the formal procedures and follow the guidelines established by the German Vocational Training Act."
