How apprentices get to travel abroad

As yet, only few apprentices seek to gain work experience abroad. The programme "Vocational Training without Borders" aims to change that. "Erasmus Plus" offers another way of going abroad. A comprehensive guideline answers questions regarding the programme.

A semester or work placement abroad already is an integral part of their course for many students. Stepping across borders can advance the young people not only in their professional, but also in their personal development.

By contrast, apprentices are rarely given the opportunity of gathering international experience during their apprenticeship. According to information by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), so far only four per cent of apprentices in Germany get to go abroad for a work placement.

The programme "Vocational Training without Borders" aims to change that. The joint initiative by the Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), and the Zentralverband des Deutschen Handwerks (ZDH - German Confederation of Skilled Crafts) is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Federal Ministry for Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). The programme helps youths to obtain a work placement abroad, the duration of which may be up to a quarter of their apprenticeship period.

During the exchange, the business providing their vocational training continues to pay the apprentice's wages; for the covering of travel and accommodation costs, the businesses can apply for financial support from funding programmes. They are supported by so-called "mobility advisors" at the chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of crafts.

Another way to go abroad is "Erasmus Plus" - a scholarship programme that the EU Parliament adopted at the end of last year. Amongst other things, it includes the "Leonardo da Vinci" programme that supports employees during sojourns abroad.

The programme is addressed at people in their first occupational training course (apprentices, vocational school and technical college students), people in the employment market (employees, self-employed people, job seekers, university graduates) and skilled personnel within the vocational education and training system (trainers, teachers, career advisors, headmasters of vocational training institutions, people responsible for planning vocational education and training, personnel development and occupational orientation).

The target groups are vocational education and training institutions, companies, trade businesses, social partners and their organisations, professional bodies and chambers.