Study abroad in Germany is becoming a trend for many young people, especially those in grade 12 or have just graduated from high school, who are carefully considering choosing a career worth pursuing. Therefore, the question "Which major should you choose when studying vocational training in Germany??” is always the question SHD Academy receives the most in seminars and career counseling sessions. In this article, SHD Academy will introduce you to the most potential professions today, helping you have an overview and choose a profession that suits your strengths as well as the needs of the labor market in Germany. 

What vocational training majors are included in Germany?

What are the vocational training majors in Germany? is always the question that most young people are interested in. Currently, studying vocational training in Germany opens up many opportunities for young people who want to improve their skills and develop their careers in an international environment. Vocational training in Germany The following are some of the jobs that are in high demand right now that you might want to consider:

• Medical industry (nursing, Dental assistant)
• Mechanical industry
• Culinary industry
• Sales industry
• Food technology industry
• Construction industry
• Information technology industry
• Automotive engineering technology industry
• Control and automation engineering industry
• Restaurant and hotel industry

In addition to meeting Germany's recruitment needs, German vocational training majors Currently receiving the attention of many parents and young people interested in attractive policies. 

The dual training program, combining free theory at school and direct practice at paid businesses, helps develop professional skills comprehensively. After graduation, students are almost guaranteed a job with a high salary, from 2,500 - 3,200 Euro/month (about 66 - 85 million VND), and can work and settle in Germany after 2 years of work.

Understanding the importance of choosing the right major, SHD Academy focuses on organizing consulting sessions and career orientation based on your abilities and interests to ensure you have the most effective learning path. 

Which major should I choose to study vocational training in Germany? 

When deciding to study a vocational course in Germany, deciding on the right major is very important to ensure your career future. So, What are the vocational training majors in Germany?Below are detailed suggestions from SHD Academy that you should refer to:

1. Study nursing in Germany

One of the "hot" industries today that must be mentioned is study nursing in GermanyThis is a job that requires perseverance and patience because nurses have to work continuously, day and night. 

Not only that, this industry also requires sympathy, understanding and willingness to help patients in the most difficult times. These qualities are the strengths of Vietnamese people, so this will be a potential source of human resources in the field of Nursing in Germany.

In addition, according to the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), by 2023, about 22.61 TP3T of the German population (equivalent to 19.1 million people) will be over 60 years old. Also according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a country is considered to have entered the "aging" stage when the proportion of elderly people accounts for 101 TP3T of the population and is considered an "aged population" when this group accounts for 201 TP3T of the total population. Therefore, it can be said that nursing students in Germany will be guaranteed stable employment after graduation. 

The job of a nurse in Germany is specifically as follows:

• Monitor patient health status. Ensure patient receives adequate physical and mental care.
• Assist doctors during examination and treatment. Perform basic medical procedures as prescribed (injections, dressing changes, blood draws, IV fluids, etc.).
• Update patient health information and status in records. Document care measures taken.
• Assist seniors with mobility, eating and personal hygiene. Ensure they are comfortable and safe.
• Organize or support recreational activities suitable for their physical condition. Help the elderly stay positive and improve their quality of life.
• Ensure the patient takes the medication in the correct dose and at the correct time. Monitor the patient's response after taking the medication.

Place of study and work: 

• At vocational colleges in Germany: Attend classes and lectures in the auditorium to acquire specialized knowledge.
• At elderly care facilities: 
  • Work in nursing homes, geriatric hospitals, or day care centers for the elderly. 
  • Participate in care at rehabilitation facilities for the elderly, mental health clinics, or geriatric units within general hospital systems.
• At other work locations: Support patients in outpatient treatment programs, for example in the patient's own apartment or residence.

Currently, the salary for geriatric nurses in Germany is quite high, especially right from the apprenticeship stage. During the dual training period, you will be paid from 1,100 Euro/month (about 29 million VND) in the first year, increasing to 1,200 Euro/month (about 31 million VND) in the second year and 1,300 Euro/month (about 34 million VND) in the final year. Total pre-tax income in a year can reach 37,100 Euro, depending on working hours and allowances. 

From 2023, the minimum hourly wage for nurses in Germany will be set at 17.65 Euro/hour. Experienced and highly qualified nurses will enjoy a salary increase over time.

The salary when studying nursing in Germany is currently quite high (Source: Collected)

2. Studying in Germany in the hotel and restaurant industry

German tourism has also had a promising start in 2023, as shown by a report by the German Tourism Federation in early March. Specifically, revenue from travel agencies and online booking platforms in January doubled compared to the same period in 2022, and exceeded 12% compared to the figure in January 2019, showing a strong recovery of the country's tourism industry after the pandemic. This increase creates a great demand for labor in the restaurant and hotel sector. 

A specialist working in restaurant and hotel industry They need to be dedicated, attentive and have good communication skills. They must be able to listen, be sensitive to customer needs and always put service quality first. 

These qualities are often seen in Vietnamese people, with their tradition of hospitality and industriousness. Therefore, many international students with good foreign language skills and flexibility have set their aspirations and chosen to study in Germany in this field. 

The job of a specialist at a German restaurant or hotel specifically includes:

• Restaurant area: Serve customers, take orders, and ensure food service runs smoothly. Set tables and chairs, prepare utensils, and maintain a clean, tidy environment.
• Kitchen area: Assist chefs in preparing ingredients and cooking dishes, ensuring food hygiene and safety in the kitchen area.
• Reservation Department: Receive and process booking requests from customers via phone, email or online platforms. Arrange booking schedules and coordinate with other departments to ensure customers receive the best service.
• Room cleaning: Clean rooms, change bed sheets, towels and replenish necessary items. Ensure rooms are always clean and meet hotel standards.
• Customer care: Answer questions, handle requests or complaints from guests. Provide information about services, surrounding areas and support guests throughout their stay.

Place of study and work: 

• At vocational school: Attend theory and practical sessions in dedicated classrooms.
• At hotels and restaurants: Work directly in real business environments such as restaurants, hotels, and food service providers.
• Food businesses: Restaurants, eateries, collective kitchens or food service chains.
• Hotel and entertainment system: Work at hotels, resorts or entertainment centers that offer food services.
• In the medical field: Health care facilities such as nursing homes or rehabilitation centers offer food services.
• At retail businesses: Work in large companies or supermarkets that have a department that provides food services to customers.

The income of the restaurant and hotel industry in Germany is quite attractive, even during the apprenticeship period. In the first year, you can receive about 934 Euros/month (about 24 million VND) and increase to about 1,000 Euros/month (about 26 million VND) in the second year, not to mention the company will pay additional social insurance. 

From 2022, the minimum wage will be 12.41 Euros per hour (before tax), which can increase gradually based on experience and professional certification. With hard work and effort, the average annual income can reach 37,800 Euros, with the opportunity to advance to management positions through advanced courses.

The hotel and restaurant industry is one of the study abroad options in Germany that many young people are interested in. (Source: Collected)

3. Studying mechanical engineering in Germany

According to data from the World Bank, Germany is currently the third largest exporter of machinery and equipment in the world, after China and the US, with products exported to more than 200 countries and territories. 

The country also boasts prestigious manufacturing corporations such as BMW, Mercedes, Siemens – brands that have become symbols of quality and technological innovation. 

However, paradoxically, the German labor market is facing a serious shortage of human resources in the mechanical field. Therefore, study mechanical engineering in Germany This is a great opportunity for those who are looking for a career path. 

Job of a mechanical technician in Germany:

• Operate machinery and production equipment.
• Assemble and maintain machine parts.
• Check product quality.
• Perform metalworking processes.

Place of study and work: 

• Manufacturing and assembly plants: Mechanical manufacturing factory, component manufacturing workshop, automobile assembly factory
• Engineering companies and enterprises: Equipment maintenance company, system installation enterprise, construction technology enterprise
• Customer projects and locations: Construction sites, equipment installation locations, maintenance and repair locations
• Training facilities: Vocational schools, technical training centers, vocational practice facilities

The salary of mechanical technicians in Germany is regulated quite transparently and increases gradually with each year of apprenticeship. For mechanical technicians installing electricity, water and air conditioning, the starting salary is 934 Euro/month (about 24 million VND) in the first year and gradually increases to 964 Euro/month in the fourth year, along with social insurance paid by the enterprise. Total annual income can reach 30,900 Euro, with a minimum wage of 12.41 Euro/hour from 2024. 

Meanwhile, a refrigeration mechanic has a salary of 934 Euros/month (about 24 million VND) in the first year and increases to 985 Euros/month (about 26 million VND) in the fourth year. The annual income of this industry is about 21,700 Euros, with a minimum wage of 13 Euros/hour from 2024. Notably, both industries have the opportunity to increase their income significantly according to experience and ability, which can reach 36,000-43,100 Euros/year with good experience and skills.

4. Studying electronics in Germany

If you are wondering Which major should you choose when studying vocational training in Germany?, the electronics industry is the right suggestion for you. With its leading position in the field of heavy industry and machinery manufacturing, Germany is facing a great demand for highly skilled technical workers. 

According to a report from the German Economic Institute (IW), the rapid development of technology and the aging population have caused the electronics industry to fall into a serious shortage of human resources.

In particular, with the participation of large corporations such as Siemens and Bosch, study electronics in Germany bring wide open job opportunities. In particular, with the dual vocational study abroad program in Germany, students are trained in parallel between theory (30%) and practice (70%) at the enterprise. After graduation, you will have enough skills and expertise to meet the labor standards of the industry in Germany as well as internationally.

What does an electronics technician do in Germany:

• Installation and operation of control cabinets, network connection.
• Setup and install programs for automatic machines and equipment.
• Deployment and installation of industrial production lines with numerical control.
• System maintenance, testing and troubleshooting.
• Operation and optimization of control systems and industrial communication networks.

Place of study and work: 

• Factories manufacturing automatic control equipment.
• Electronic system installation and maintenance company.
• Factory, office or at customer location.
• Vocational colleges and specialized training centers.

During your apprenticeship as an electronics technician in Germany, you will receive a salary that increases year by year. Specifically, the first year is about 939 Euros (about 24 million VND), the second year is 944 Euros, the third year is 954 Euros and the final year is 964 Euros per month, not including the amount the company contributes to the social insurance fund. 

After graduating and gaining work experience, salaries can increase significantly, averaging around 45,100 Euros/year. If you continue your studies to get a degree in electrical engineering, your income can reach 72,000 Euros/year.

5. Studying construction in Germany

If you are looking for information on the issue What vocational training majors are available in Germany?, consider the construction industry. A construction technician needs to be meticulous and precise in their work. They also need to have quick problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to modern technical requirements. 

These qualities are very suitable for Vietnamese people, who are famous for being hard-working, diligent, quick-witted, and good at learning in a professional environment. 

A report from the German Economic Institute (IW) also shows that the rapid aging of the population makes the source of young and skilled labor increasingly scarce, exacerbating the shortage of human resources in the construction industry. Therefore, vocational training in Germany in construction industry is a promising direction for young people.

Job of a construction technician in Germany:

• Installation of formwork and scaffolding.
• Bending and braiding of steel bars.
• Install steel reinforcement into formwork.
• Mixing, pouring and curing concrete.
• Dismantling precast concrete structures, solid concrete structures.

Place of study and work: 

• Construction products manufacturing enterprise.
• Bridge and tunnel construction enterprise.
• Concrete manufacturing plant.
• Construction site, factory.
• Training center, vocational school.
• Affiliate training center.

When studying construction engineering in Germany, students are paid an apprenticeship salary of about 934 Euros/month (about 24 million VND) in the first year, 965 Euros/month in the second year and from 975 Euros to 1190 Euros/month (about 31 million VND) in the third year, along with contributions to the social insurance fund. 

After graduating, the minimum starting salary is 12.41 Euros per hour, with a total annual income of up to 33,600 Euros. After a few years of experience, they can be trained to become a Chief Technician or Foreman, with an income of around 40,800 Euros per year.

6. Studying culinary arts in Germany

Vocational study in Germany Chef is becoming an attractive choice for Vietnamese students due to the increasing demand for human resources in the culinary industry. Especially when the tourism and hotel restaurant industry in Germany has recorded a resurgence in recent years. 

In addition, chefs need to be patient, meticulous, creative and able to work under high pressure, and must always learn to improve their skills. Vietnamese people are famous for their hard-working nature, and their ability to adapt to the tastes and culinary cultures of many countries. 

Therefore, studying culinary arts in Germany is truly an ideal opportunity for young people to develop a career in a professional culinary environment.

Job of a chef in Germany: 

• Prepare and cook food.
• Manage kitchen workflow.
• Menu design.
• Purchasing and storing raw materials.

Place of study and work: 

• Restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, nursing homes.
• Food production company, canned and frozen food.
• Water transport company.
• Vocational college.

During your culinary apprenticeship in Germany, you will receive a salary of around 934 Euros to 975 Euros per month (about 24 - 26 million VND), depending on the year of study, along with social insurance contributions. 

After graduation, the minimum wage is 12.41 Euros per hour, and annual earnings can reach 28,296 Euros. With experience and advanced qualifications, you can achieve an average salary of around 35,000 Euros per year, or even higher if you become a senior specialist.

Photos of SHD Academy students studying culinary arts in Germany (Source: SHD Academy)

7. Studying food technology in Germany

Which major should you choose to study vocational training in Germany?If you are passionate about managing, preserving and processing foods, with the aim of protecting nutrients and food safety for human health, then the food technology industry is the right choice. 

If you love creating, researching and applying technology to preserve, improve quality and ensure food safety, then the food technology industry is the ideal choice for you.

Germany has been focusing strongly on food safety, which is reflected in strict policies and regulations aimed at protecting consumer health. 

According to food safety regulations, all food processing and trading establishments such as restaurants and eateries must comply with safety standards set by law. Health department staff have the right to conduct periodic and unannounced inspections without prior notice to ensure public health. 

It is because of the strictness of the law that has created an increasing demand for recruiting quality labor in the food technology industry.

Job of a food specialist in Germany: 

• Research market needs and test new formulations such as improving flavor, color and nutritional quality.
• Design and improve food processing, packaging and preservation processes.
• Check incoming raw materials, in-process products and final products to ensure compliance with German quality standards.
• Find solutions to reduce food waste and make the most of raw materials.

Place of study and work: 

• Research Institutes and R&D Departments: Work in research and development centers, focusing on improving food processing and preservation technology and enhancing food quality.
• Food packaging companies: Work in the design and development of packaging that protects food, improving quality and freshness during transportation and storage.
• Food processing companies: Involved in the production process, product research and development and quality control of processed foods.
• Dietary Supplement Companies: Work in the field of developing nutritional products that support health and improve quality of life.
• Food technology companies: Research and apply modern technology to improve food processing and preservation processes.

During the food specialist apprenticeship in Germany, students receive a salary that increases year by year, from 1,050 Euro/month in the first year (about 27 million VND), 1,175 Euro/month in the second year (about 31 million VND) and 1,200 Euro/month in the final year, along with social insurance contributions from the business. From 2023, the minimum wage is guaranteed at 12.30 Euro/hour, with a total annual income of 35,200 Euro including tax. 

With good work experience and professional skills, the salary will increase over time, especially when promoted to the position of chief specialist, it can reach 40,100 Euro/year. In addition, people working in the industry also have the opportunity to develop their career and increase their income through advanced study and accumulation of practical experience.

SHD Academy – The leading prestigious German vocational study abroad center in Vietnam

SHD Academy has affirmed its leading position in the field of vocational study abroad in Germany after nearly 7 years of operation. With the goal of career orientation for the young generation, helping students access advanced education and sustainable career opportunities. 

SHD Academy's Admissions System Spread across 14 provinces and cities and a network of representative offices in more than 24 provinces and cities, SHD Academy always strives to give young Vietnamese people the best opportunities to study and work in Germany.

Besides, SHD Academy also creates its own value for the brand thanks to the following differences:

• Cooperate with the Vietnamese government and connect with reputable businesses in Germany helps bring complete peace of mind to customers and parents.
• Recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Ho Chi Minh City is a non-public educational institution that has achieved excellent results for two consecutive school years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
• The first unit to organize an exhibition on vocational training in Germany in Vietnam, creating opportunities for students to access information and learning opportunities.
• Support students in An Giang, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang provinces to get preferential loans to participate in the study abroad program, with loan packages up to 200 million VND from major banks such as: Agribank, Shinhan Bank,...
• Comprehensive ecosystem with a closed model: German training, coordination of German exam test, Telc certificate, vocational training contract and legal support when students study and work in Germany. 
• SHD Academy offers short-term vocational courses, helping students gain practical experience. and get acquainted with the working environment in Germany right from Vietnam. 
• Training program suitable for 60-70% needs of the South Central and Mekong Delta regions, opening up many career opportunities in Germany.

It can be seen that SHD Academy is the perfect choice for you to start your journey of vocational training in Germany. Contact the center today for the most thoughtful advice and support!

Contact information:

• Hotline: 033 676 0276
• Address: 679 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
• Website: https://shdacademy.vn/

SHD Academy is committed to supporting students in finding opportunities to study and work in Germany (Source: SHD Academy) 

Frequently asked questions on the topic "Germany study abroad professions" 

What should girls study in Germany?

When choosing a career to study abroad in Germany, female students have many options that suit their interests and career prospects. Vocational study programs in Germany Arts and design, hospitality, healthcare, communications, digital marketing and law are all potential options. 

How much does it cost to study vocational training in Germany?

Vocational training in Germany this year has a total cost ranging from 6,000 - 9,000 Euro, equivalent to about 160 to 240 million VND. This cost may vary depending on the student's German language proficiency as well as German vocational study abroad professions that they choose. 

However, when participating in learning vocational study programs in Germany At SHD Academy, you will be able to learn German, take the German language test and have a German vocational training contract to apply for a visa to Germany. Therefore, parents and students can rest assured to choose SHD Academy as a companion on every step of the journey to realize the dream of studying a vocational course in Germany.

Above is the information to help you answer the question. Which major should I choose to study vocational training in Germany? SHD Academy hopes that after reading this, you will find a career path that suits your passion. Wishing you success on your path to studying abroad and discovering new opportunities in Germany!