Tips for starting the new training year in the skilled trades

The integration of new trainees into the company begins even before they start their training. A checklist helps companies with this. The question of their educational qualifications is also important.

This article is part of the special topic Starting your training

It's crucial to take good care of the few applicants who still want to pursue an apprenticeship. The days when an apprentice simply "tagged along" in the company until their journeyman's exam are long gone. Good apprentices need to be supported so they remain loyal to the company, and those who struggle with mathematical formulas, language, or other subjects need assistance to prevent them from falling behind and dropping out of their apprenticeship. To the checklist!

But how can companies assess whether applicants are even up to the task? The challenge begins with the job interview. The Chambers of Skilled Crafts support companies, among other things, in correctly interpreting certificates and assessing qualifications. Each Chamber of Skilled Crafts has training advisors who are available to assist companies. 

Correctly classify school qualifications

In Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, the Hauptschule and Realschule (secondary schools) were merged just over ten years ago. Students at the "Realschule Plus" can obtain either the Berufsreife (vocational qualification) (formerly the Hauptschule certificate) or the Mittlere Reife (intermediate school leaving certificate). This means that not every Realschule Plus certificate includes the Mittlere Reife.

Many tradespeople who don't have children of that age are unaware of the difference and consequently misjudge applicants. Experts advise that they should therefore not only ask to see the interim report card, but also inquire about the candidate's grade level and the qualification they are aiming for.

Free online tests for companies and applicants in the skilled tradesIs the applicant ready for the apprenticeship? A free, cross-trade test with questions on social skills, basic arithmetic, and logical thinking is available at handwerksblatt.de. azubitest-online.de

Supporting weaker students from the beginning

Many companies today are very supportive and give even those with weaker abilities a chance. However, these young people then need more intensive support from the company from the very beginning, and possibly external tutoring such as the assisted training program offered by the employment agency. This can be clarified and organized before the apprenticeship begins. The following can help with this: Training advisors at the Chambers of Crafts.

Companies should hold at least one meeting during the probationary period, if possible together with the parents.

Avoid ghosting 

Another problem is "ghosting," where trainees don't even show up for their first day of training without informing the company. Experts therefore recommend maintaining contact from the day the contract is signed. For example, you can build a connection by inviting the young people to company events beforehand. Or you can send them some information about the company and their new colleagues before the training starts, so they can settle in more easily from the beginning.

To-Do: Before starting the training

This is what the company has to do:

- Conclude a vocational training contract. Samples are available from the Chambers of Crafts. 

• Employers can find the company number required for the contract on tax assessments or on monthly social security reports. Information on training allowances and vacation entitlements is available from the Chamber of Skilled Crafts.
• The contract must be signed by the business owner, trainer, trainee and, in the case of minors, also by the legal representatives.
• The contract must then be forwarded immediately to the Chamber of Crafts and Trades (HWK), either in the original or as a scanned document by email. For minors, a copy of the initial medical examination certificate must also be submitted.
• If the apprenticeship period is shortened: proof of the reason for the shortening.  
• If necessary, the company can conclude additional agreements to the apprenticeship contract.

- Part-time training: Vocational training can also be completed part-time. Employers can seek advice from their Chamber of Crafts and Trades.
- Registration at vocational school
- Registration with the health insurance company: no later than two weeks after the start of the training!
- Registration with the responsible tax office: Forms are available from the tax office responsible for the company.
- Registration with the professional association: It is best to do this at the same time as registering with the tax office.  
- Construction industry: Apprentices must also be registered with the Holiday and Wage Compensation Fund of the Construction Industry (ULAK) in order to receive training certificates and subsidies for training remuneration and ÜLU fees (soka-bau.de) 
- Roofing trade: Apprentices must be registered with the wage compensation fund of the roofing trade to receive subsidies for the ÜLU fees (soka-dach.de). 
- Personnel file: Create or add to a list of young people.
- Training certificate: Provide a report book free of charge (often available as an app).
- Provide training regulations (Download: bibb.de)
- Create and maintain a training plan. 
- Employers must provide training materials free of charge (including specialist literature for examinations).
- Young people: Employers who regularly employ at least one young person must display or post a copy of the Youth Employment Protection Act and the address of the supervisory authority in the workplace. If they employ at least three young people, a notice must be posted indicating the start and end of regular working hours and breaks.

Obtain from the trainee:

- School leaving certificate: A copy of the last school report card or the school leaving certificate.
- Clarify questions such as whether tutoring is necessary from the start, whether there are any learning disabilities or other special needs.
- Initial medical examination certificate: Anyone who is under 18 years of age and wishes to begin training must undergo a medical examination.
- Health certificate in accordance with the Federal Infectious Diseases Act (only for food processing businesses). A health certificate must be submitted to the health department. 
- Residence permit. The company must attach copies of the identification documents and, if applicable, notices from the immigration authorities to the training contract.
- Apprentice's tax ID 
- Bank details
- Name and address of the health insurance company 

This is what the apprentice receives:

- A copy of the signed vocational training contract. 
- An original copy of the registered vocational training contract if it was returned by the Chamber of Crafts. 
- Training regulations/company training plan. Templates available for download at: bibb.de/dienst/berufesuche/de/index_berufesuche.php. 
- Provide training certificate/report book (digital if necessary) free of charge. 
- Training materials 
- Accident prevention regulations 
- Safety clothing 
- Perhaps also a welcome gift and/or an information folder with all important processes and contacts in the company. 

More checklists for training companies are available from the Chambers of Crafts!

This article was first published in June 2023 and updated in February 2026.

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