Ausbilder/Ausbilderin für anerkannte Ausbildungsberufe

Preparation courses for the examination take place at educational institutions of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and Chambers of Crafts, at vocational academies, and with private education providers. For in-person events, learning locations are training rooms. For digital learning forms (e.g., virtual classroom) and distance learning, learning locations are at home, and potentially training rooms for in-person phases. For combined learning forms (e.g., blended learning), learning locations are training rooms for in-person events and at home for online learning units.

This is a continuing education profession. The type of continuing education is an examination regulated nationwide, and participation in preparatory courses is not required. The duration of continuing education varies depending on the educational offer, teaching time (full-time/part-time), and learning format. Trainers for recognized vocational training professions implement the content of training framework plans. They select new apprentices, monitor compliance with the company's training plan, and check training records (report books). They instruct apprentices in theoretical and practical content of the respective vocational training. For this, individual learning steps must be prepared in teaching sequences and conveyed in a clear and understandable manner. Additionally, trainers register apprentices for intermediate and final examinations with the competent chamber. After completing the training...

Varies depending on the educational offer, teaching time (full-time/part-time), and learning format.

Distribution of hours (example): Checking training requirements and planning training: 15 teaching units. Preparing training and participating in the recruitment of apprentices: 20 teaching units. Conducting training: 45 teaching units. Completing training: 10 teaching units. Total: 90 teaching units.

Course fees are generally incurred for attending preparatory courses, and examination fees for the examination itself. Additional costs may arise, e.g., for working materials, travel to the training facility, or external accommodation.

Checking training requirements and planning training: Participating in planning and decisions regarding the company's training needs. Selecting vocational training professions for the company. Checking whether training content can be provided through measures outside the training facility (cooperative training, inter-company and external training). Coordinating the tasks of those involved in training within the company. Preparing training: Creating an in-company training plan based on a training regulation. Determining cooperation needs and coordinating with cooperation partners, especially the Berufsschule (vocational school). Applying criteria and procedures for selecting apprentices. Conducting training: Organizing, designing, and evaluating the probationary period. Developing and designing in-company learning and work tasks. Selecting training methods and media appropriate for the target group and using them in a situation-specific manner. Supporting apprentices with learning difficulties.

In-depth knowledge in areas such as pedagogy/didactics is a good prerequisite for successfully passing this advanced training examination. For example, this knowledge is required to instruct and assess Ausbildung (vocational training) apprentices within a company.

The advanced training consists of theoretical and practical lessons. Depending on the education provider, one should be prepared for the following conditions: For full-time instruction, full-day lessons on at least four weekdays; for part-time instruction, typically job-accompanying advanced training on weekends or in the evenings. For in-person events, lessons take place in a classroom setting at the educational institution (possibly not at the place of residence). In digital learning formats (e.g., virtual classroom), learning occurs exclusively via electronic learning platforms and systems (primarily in a classroom setting from home). In combined learning formats (e.g., blended learning), in-person events in a classroom setting at the educational institution and self-directed learning via electronic learning platforms and systems from home are combined. In distance learning, the learning material is processed individually from home (high demands on self-discipline and work organization); additional in-person sessions may also be included.

For advanced training abroad, the following options are available, for example: In Austria, advanced training offers can be found via AMS - Arbeitsmarktservice Österreich - Weiterbildungsdatenbank (e.g., with the search term 'Ausbilder/in'). In Switzerland, advanced training offers are available via wab - Die Weiterbildungsdatenbank der Schweiz (e.g., with the search term 'Ausbilder/in'). The Europass offers the possibility to document learning stays completed abroad. Further information on the Europass can be found.

Participation in advanced training is not remunerated.

The following advanced training alternatives are available for the profession of Ausbilder/in (instructor) for anerkannte Ausbildungsberufe (recognized vocational training professions): In the field of Education, School, Ausbildung (vocational training) and Advanced Training, 'Geprüfter Aus- und Weiterbildungspädagoge/Geprüfte Aus- und Weiterbildungspädagogin' (Certified Education and Advanced Training Pedagogist) shares the commonality of planning and organizing in-company and, if necessary, inter-company Ausbildung (vocational training) and advanced training. In the field of Social Work and Social Care, 'Geprüfte Fachkraft zur Arbeits- und Berufsförderung' (Certified Specialist for Work and Vocational Promotion) shares the commonality of planning and organizing in-company and, if necessary, inter-company Ausbildung (vocational training) and advanced training.

In 1972, an Ausbilder-Eignungsverordnung (AEVO) (Instructor Aptitude Ordinance) was enacted for the commercial economy. In 1999, an AEVO valid for all areas was enacted. In 2003, the obligation to prove qualification according to AEVO was temporarily suspended for 5 years. In 2009, the AEVO was updated, and proof of instructor aptitude has been mandatory again since then. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) (Vocational Training Act) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) (Crafts Code) were amended. Among these amendments was the introduction of advanced training qualifications such as 'Geprüfte/r Berufsspezialist/in' (Certified Professional Specialist), 'Bachelor Professional,' and 'Master Professional' to emphasize the equivalence of vocational and academic education. The use of these professional titles depends on the enactment of corresponding new advanced training regulations.

Instructor for Recognized Apprenticeship Occupations

Instructor for Recognized Apprenticeship Occupations is a professional advanced training. The examination is uniformly regulated nationwide. It is not necessary to attend a course to be admitted to the examination.

After their advanced training, Instructors for Recognized Apprenticeship Occupations work in companies across all sectors and in public service. They can keep their expertise current, up-to-date, and expand it through adaptive advanced training (Anpassungsweiterbildung). The range of topics extends from in-company training and further education to conflict management. To advance professionally, ascending advanced training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung), specifically designed for graduates of advanced training, can expand and complement their competence profile. Taking the examination as a vocational pedagogue is a natural next step. With a higher education entrance qualification, one can also pursue university studies (Studium) and, for example, obtain a Bachelor's degree in vocational pedagogy.

Legal regulations and recommendations: Instructor Aptitude Ordinance (Ausbilder-Eignungsverordnung) of 21.01.2009 (BGBl. I S. 88). Framework Plan for the Training of Instructors, recommendation of the Main Committee of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung) of 25.06.2009 (amended version of 20.06.2023). Framework Curriculum for Rehabilitation Pedagogical Additional Qualification for Instructors (ReZA), recommendation of the Main Committee of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung) of 21.06.2012.

There are currently no prerequisites for admission to the advanced training examination. The Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz - BBiG) requires proof of professional and personal suitability for the later exercise of the activity as an Instructor for Recognized Apprenticeship Occupations.