Änderungsschneider/Änderungsschneiderin

The vocational training (Ausbildung) for Änderungsschneider/Änderungsschneiderin takes place in a dual system. Learning locations include the training company (Ausbildungsbetrieb), typically clothing manufacturing businesses, alteration and tailoring studios, ready-to-wear departments of fashion and department stores, workshops, and sales rooms. The vocational school (Berufsschule) consists of classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers (überbetriebliche Ausbildungsstätten). Vocational school classes are sometimes conducted in cross-state specialized classes. For example, for the federal states (Bundesland) of Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, classes are in Plauen; for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein, they are in Lübeck.

This is a recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) occupation. It is a dual training (duale Ausbildung) in industry and crafts, regulated by training regulations, and lasts 2 years. Learning takes place at the training company and vocational school (Berufsschule). Änderungsschneider/Änderungsschneiderin alter and sew garments, but also home textiles like curtains. They advise customers on alteration possibilities and costs, pin up trousers, skirts, or dresses, shorten them, or let out hems for lengthening, remove defective zippers, and sew in new ones. Many sewing tasks are done with sewing machines, but sometimes handwork is required. Finally, they iron the garments and prepare them for pick-up. Their duties also include maintaining and keeping the stock of sewing utensils complete. Tailors find employment in craft alteration or bespoke tailoring shops, or in large clothing stores with integrated alteration services.

Änderungsschneider/Änderungsschneiderin is a recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) occupation with a duration of 2 years. In this profession, garments are altered and sewn, as are home textiles like curtains. They advise customers on alteration options and costs, adjust the length of trousers, skirts, or dresses, and replace zippers. Many sewing tasks are performed with sewing machines, but handwork is sometimes necessary. Garments are ironed and made ready for collection. Maintaining the stock of sewing supplies is also part of their duties. Tailors find employment in craft alteration or bespoke tailoring shops, or in large clothing stores with integrated alteration services. Other professions related to clothing and textiles also exist.

2 years

The training is carried out simultaneously in the training company and the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. In the first year of training, trainees learn to plan and prepare work processes, advise customers, maintain equipment, prepare small pieces and auxiliary materials, perform sewing and ironing tasks, and implement quality assurance measures. In vocational school, they cover topics such as selecting materials for simple garments, sewing small parts, ironing workpieces, cutting materials, and constructing a basic garment form. An intermediate examination is held at the beginning of the second year of training. In the second year, the knowledge from the first year is deepened.

No costs are incurred for carrying out the training. The training company (Ausbildungsbetrieb) provides the training materials needed for the operational part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school (Berufsschule) classes and work clothing themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. In certain life situations, apprentices may receive vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe). Further information can be found under Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During the vocational training (Ausbildung), trainees learn, for example, how to advise customers, take their alteration requests, and pin and mark the alterations. They also learn how to cut small parts and auxiliary materials, how to unpick garments, how to perform hand sewing, and how to alter and repair clothing. Handling sewing machines, what to consider when maintaining machines and equipment, how to attach buttons, braids, hooks, and snap fasteners, or how to line garments are also part of the training content. Important aspects of alterations to curtains, blankets, and covers, how to perform final checks, how to document work data and times, and how to contribute to quality improvement are also learned. They are taught how to create cutting templates, how to take patterns for large pieces, and what to know about ironing delicate fabrics. Finally, coordinating orders and appointments, handling complaints, and processing payments are also covered in the training.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements in this profession: In the company, practical work (under guidance) includes altering garments, performing sewing tasks, replacing zippers, operating sewing machines, irons, and pressing machines, and maintaining tools and machines. The environment may involve textile dust, steam, or chemical odors in the workshop. Requirements for this profession include dexterity and hand-eye coordination (e.g., when working with fine needles and threads, cutting fabrics), manual skill (e.g., maintaining sewing machines), creativity (e.g., when redesigning garments), meticulousness and observational accuracy (e.g., when taking measurements, improving the fit of garments), and customer orientation (e.g., responding to customer requests). At the vocational school (Berufsschule), classes are held one or two days a week or as block instruction.

Trainees can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad. For example, an internship abroad can be done in various European countries as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in'. This internship lasts at least 3 weeks and requires a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). Further information on the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is available.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, in companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational college or in the 1st year of training as a vocational basic training year (BGJ)), no training allowance is paid. For example, in retail (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 940 € to 1,120 €, 2nd year of training: 1,000 € to 1,250 €. In the clothing contract manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them. Please check BERUFENET for more information.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Manual Arts/Textile Design (Werken/Textiles Gestalten) is required, for example, to perform sewing tasks and alter garments. Mathematics is important, for example, to calculate material requirements.

The additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is aimed at trainees with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial vocational training (Erstausbildung) with intercultural competencies and offers trainees the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, trainees attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a multi-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (Kammer) provides further information.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Änderungsschneider/in (Alteration Tailor): Textile sector: Maßschneider/Maßschneiderin (Custom Tailor), Polster- und Dekorationsnäher/Polster- und Dekorationsnäherin (Upholstery and Decoration Seamster/Seamstress), Textil- und Modenäher/Textil- und Modenäherin (Textile and Fashion Seamster/Seamstress), Textil- und Modeschneider/Textil- und Modeschneiderin (Textile and Fashion Tailor). Commonality: handling comparable sewing tools, machines, and materials, applying various sewing types and techniques.

In 2005, the Ausbildung regulation came into force according to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act). In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) were amended: a minimum Ausbildung remuneration was introduced, and the possibility to complete Ausbildung in Teilzeit (part-time) was expanded. The permeability within vocational education was also improved. For example, Ausbildung regulations can stipulate that apprentices who successfully complete a two-year Ausbildung profession are exempt from the first part of the final/journeyman or intermediate examination of a subsequent, building-on Ausbildung profession. In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) came into force with adjustments in the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO): including the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung; introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) of individual vocational competence based on the standard of a recognized Ausbildung profession.

Änderungsschneider/in (Alteration Tailor) is a recognized 2-year Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry and crafts.

Graduation title: Änderungsschneider/Änderungsschneiderin (Alteration Tailor).

The Ausbildung remuneration for a duale Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company and is based on collective bargaining agreements for companies bound by such agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildung starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example retail trade (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: €1,100, 2nd Ausbildung year: €1,220. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Example clothing contract manufacturing (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: €979, 2nd Ausbildung year: €1,075. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung remuneration for a duale Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company and is based on collective bargaining agreements for companies bound by such agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildung starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example retail trade (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: €1,050, 2nd Ausbildung year: €1,160. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Example clothing contract manufacturing (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: €979, 2nd Ausbildung year: €1,075. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire Bundesland (federal state). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,060 €, 2nd year of training: 1,160 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory. Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,100 €, 2nd year of training: 1,220 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of April 2025. For example, in the clothing manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory. Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,100 €, 2nd year of training: 1,220 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory. Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,050 €, 2nd year of training: 1,160 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory. Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,120 €, 2nd year of training: 1,250 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of August 2025. For example, in the clothing manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory. Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Please note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Prospective alteration tailors can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), for example, in European Commercial and Economic Law through the 'Europaassistent/in' qualification. Find the right employment. After their Ausbildung, alteration tailors work in artisanal alteration or bespoke tailor shops, as well as in large clothing stores with integrated alteration services. Secure employability. Through adaptive continuing education, one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from tailoring to clothing design. Advance professionally. After successfully completing their final/journeyman's examination, alteration tailors can, under certain conditions, continue their Ausbildung and take the examination as a bespoke tailor (Maßschneider/in) after one year or the master tailor examination after two years.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,050 €, 2nd training year: 1,160 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing contract manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 979 €, 2nd training year: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies nationwide across all federal states (Bundesland). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,050 €, 2nd training year: 1,160 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing contract manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 979 €, 2nd training year: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies nationwide across all federal states (Bundesland). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 18 new trainees in the skilled crafts (Handwerk) sector. 33 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (basic secondary school diploma). 17 percent had no Hauptschulabschluss, 17 percent had a middle school diploma (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), and 17 percent had a university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). 33 percent of the new trainees had participated in a vocational preparation measure before starting their training. In the industry and trade sector, there were 15 new trainees. 60 percent had a middle school diploma, and 20 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,060 €, 2nd training year: 1,160 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing contract manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 979 €, 2nd training year: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies nationwide across all federal states (Bundesland). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,050 €, 2nd training year: 1,160 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing contract manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 979 €, 2nd training year: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies nationwide across all federal states (Bundesland). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st training year: 1,100 €, 2nd training year: 1,210 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of August 2025. For example, in the clothing contract manufacturing industry (monthly gross): 1st training year: 979 €, 2nd training year: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies nationwide across all federal states (Bundesland). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Legal regulations and recommendations for this vocational training (Ausbildung) exist. These include the ordinance on vocational training for alteration tailors (ÄndSchnAusbV) from 09.05.2005 and the framework curriculum decided by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 18.03.2005.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate allowance. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum allowance. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,090 €, 2nd year of training: 1,210 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), August 2025). In the clothing contract manufacturing sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet) (Source: IG Metall, November 2024). This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate allowance. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum allowance. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,180 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), September 2025). In the clothing contract manufacturing sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet) (Source: IG Metall, November 2024). This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

Legally, no specific prior education is required.

After successfully passing the final/journeyman's examination in the profession of alteration tailor, vocational training (Berufsausbildung) can potentially be continued in related professions such as bespoke tailor (Maßschneider/in) or textile and fashion tailor (Textil- und Modeschneider/in).

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate allowance. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum allowance. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,100 €, 2nd year of training: 1,220 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), September 2025). In the clothing contract manufacturing sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet) (Source: IG Metall, November 2024). This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, in companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 940 €, 2nd year of training: 1,000 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. For example, in the clothing manufacturing sector (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 979 €, 2nd year of training: 1,075 €. The collective bargaining agreement applies to the entire federal territory (Bundesgebiet). Source: IG Metall, as of November 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.