Changing Training Providers: Is It an Option?
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In Germany, the process of terminating an apprenticeship outside the probationary period requires careful consideration and adherence to legal notice periods. Here's a guide to help apprentices navigate this situation.
The Probation Period
Apprentices in Germany have a probationary period that lasts between one and four months. During this period, either party can terminate the apprenticeship without notice or reason [1][3].
Terminating an Apprenticeship Outside the Probationary Period
Once the probationary period is over, terminating the apprenticeship requires compliance with legal notice periods (§ 622 BGB) [3][4]. Generally, this means providing four weeks’ notice, unless there is an important reason (§ 626 BGB) that justifies immediate dismissal without notice [3][4].
Valid reasons for immediate dismissal include serious breaches such as gross misconduct, but these must be demonstrable, and proper disciplinary procedures must be followed [4].
Finding a New Training Company
If an apprenticeship is terminated outside the probationary period, it's essential to secure a new training contract with another company to continue vocational education. The new training must generally be with a recognized company providing qualified vocational training, often involving a vocational school [5].
Apprentices should start searching for a new training company quickly, as continued training through a recognized company is necessary for completing the apprenticeship and may also impact residence status for non-citizens [1][3][4][5].
In some cases, especially for persons with special residence status (like tolerated stay), there may be additional requirements or waiting periods before starting new training contracts [5].
Seeking Advice and Support
For problems and questions about apprenticeships, apprentices can contact the DGB youth organization's "Dr. Apprentice" offer online [2]. This service provides advice and support to help apprentices navigate challenging situations.
In cases where the previous company does not agree to a termination agreement, apprentices may need a serious reason for immediate termination to change their apprenticeship place.
The youth organization of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB Jugend) has published a guide for starting an apprenticeship, which provides information on the process of terminating an apprenticeship outside the probationary period [6].
References
- German Federal Employment Agency
- DGB Jugend
- Munich Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- German Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
- German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
- DGB Jugend
- In the process of seeking a new training company to continue vocational education after terminating an apprenticeship, apprentices may find education-and-self-development and career-development information helpful, particularly skills-training courses designed to augment their professional qualifications.
- Utilizing the DGB Jugend's "Dr. Apprentice" service, which offers advice and support to apprentices navigating challenging situations, can aid in understanding the employability implications of apprenticeship termination and subsequent skills-training opportunities for service and career growth.
