One of the surest means to relocating to Germany is via the vocational traineeship (Ausbildung) programme. In recent years, there has been a push to increase the number of young people pursuing Ausbildung, as it is seen as a viable means of addressing shortage of skills in certain industries.

Ausbildung is a system of vocational training that combines both theoretical and practical learning. It typically lasts between two and three-and-a-half years, depending on the field of study. The training is provided by vocational schools and employers, who work together to ensure that students receive both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees in Ausbildung receive a monthly salary from their employer (from the first month), which typically increases over time. At the end of the programme, trainees take a final exam, which includes both theoretical and practical components.

Amongst all the other aspects of the New Skilled Immigration Act[1], it is now easier for more third country candidates to travel to Germany (even when they have no Ausbildung contract secured directly in Germany from their countries), to search for Ausbildung on ground.