In Germany, the vocational training system (Ausbildung) is not limited to young people only. There are programs specifically designed for adults (over 25) that give them the opportunity to start a new profession or change their career path—whether due to unemployment, a desire to improve their professional situation, or after a period of being out of work.
Who are these programs suitable for?
Unemployed people (registered with the Jobcenter or the Agentur für Arbeit)
People who did not complete an Ausbildung in the past
Those with foreign qualifications that are not recognized and who want a German qualification
Anyone who wants to change professions after years of working in a different field
Mothers returning to the labor market
Refugees and those recognized as persons in need of protection
What types of Ausbildung are suitable for adults?
1. Ausbildung for adults (Reguläre Ausbildung ab 25)
It is the same officially recognized program as for young people, but adults often:
receive special support
have the chance to learn a practical profession without high school-related requirements
2. Umschulung (occupational retraining)
An intensive program lasting two years
Carried out in vocational schools or training centers (and is called Schulische Ausbildung)
Costs covered by the Jobcenter or the Agentur für Arbeit
The trainee receives Unterhaltsgeld (living allowance compensation)
It is very suitable for adults because it is recognized as an official Ausbildung and qualifies for work directly afterward.
Financial support specifically for adults
| Type of support | Providing institution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bürgergeld or ALG I | Jobcenter / Agentur für Arbeit | Living support throughout the training period |
| Funding under §81 SGB III | Agentur für Arbeit | Covers Umschulung + tools + transportation |
| Bildungsgutschein | Jobcenter / Arbeitsagentur | Gives you freedom to choose the training center |
| Fahrtkostenzuschuss | Funding body | For daily transportation costs |
| Betreuungskostenzuschuss | Jobcenter | For parents to cover childcare costs |
Is Teilzeit-Ausbildung possible for those over 25?
Yes, absolutely. Adults can apply for an Ausbildung on a part-time basis (Teilzeit) depending on their circumstances, especially if they:
take care of children
have health-related circumstances
want to combine training with part-time work
Examples of Ausbildung professions suitable for adults
| Field | Examples of professions |
|---|---|
| Care and nursing | Pflegefachkraft, Heilerziehungspfleger/in |
| Administration and sales | Kaufmann/-frau im Einzelhandel, Büromanagement |
| Kitchen and hotels | Koch/Köchin, Hotelfachmann/-frau |
| Technology and skilled trades | Elektroniker, Mechatroniker, Tischler |
| Education and childcare | Erzieher/in (sometimes requires prior qualifications) |
| Information technology | Fachinformatiker/in für Systemintegration |
Steps to start an Ausbildung as an adult:
Visit the Jobcenter or the Agentur für Arbeit
Discuss your wish for Umschulung or Ausbildung
Obtain a Bildungsgutschein (education voucher)
Choose a recognized training center or company
Sign a contract and start the program with full support
Advantages of Ausbildung for adults:
A chance to secure a new professional future
Comprehensive financial support covering basic needs
Practical training that leads directly to a job
Counts toward pension years and social insurance
Respected in the German labor market more than unrecognized foreign certificates
ـ* The team of writers and editors on the website strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or unconfirmed information may be included. Therefore, the information in the articles should be considered an initial reference, and you should always refer to the competent authorities to obtain confirmed information.
