How to Find an Ausbildung Position in Lower Saxony: A Practical Guide

For many newcomers, an Ausbildung (vocational training) is one of the most realistic and stable ways to build a long-term future in Germany. It combines paid work in a company with classes at a vocational school, gives you a recognised qualification, and often leads directly to a permanent job. In Lower Saxony, with its strong industrial, service, and public sectors, there are thousands of apprenticeship positions (Ausbildungsplätze) every year, but many people do not know where to start looking or how to apply effectively [1][3][5].

This guide explains, in simple steps, how to search for an Ausbildung position if you live in Lower Saxony or plan to move here. You will learn what an Ausbildung actually is, what requirements you need to meet as an international applicant, which websites and offices can help you, how to read job advertisements, and how to prepare your application documents. The goal is not to replace official advice, but to give you a practical overview so that you feel confident and prepared.

What Is an Ausbildung and Why It Is Important in Lower Saxony

In Germany, an Ausbildung is usually a dual vocational training: you work in a company and at the same time attend a vocational school (Berufsschule). Depending on the profession, the Ausbildung typically lasts between two and three-and-a-half years and ends with a final examination in front of a chamber (for example IHK or Handwerkskammer) [1][4]. After successful completion, you receive a recognised qualification that is highly valued in the German labour market.

During your Ausbildung, you receive a monthly training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung). The exact amount depends on the profession, the collective agreement, and the year of training, but it usually increases each year [1]. This income will not make you rich, but it can cover an important part of your living costs and makes vocational training more accessible compared to unpaid internships or purely school-based qualifications.

Lower Saxony has a strong tradition of dual vocational training. Industry, trade, crafts, agriculture, and the public sector all rely on apprentices to build their future workforce. The state government and the chambers (IHK, HWK) work together to promote Ausbildung and to make open positions more visible, for example through special campaigns and information portals [5][9]. This means there are good opportunities, especially if you are flexible about the region and the profession.

Who Can Apply: Requirements for Newcomers and International Students

In principle, anyone who has completed school and meets the professional requirements can apply for an Ausbildung. However, if you are a newcomer or a non-EU citizen, there are some additional points to remember: residence status, language skills, and recognition of your school certificate [1][2].

Residence and Visa Conditions for Non-EU Citizens

If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you usually need a specific residence title for vocational training or, in some cases, a visa to search for a training place [1][2]. The main options are:

Visa or residence permit for vocational training – This is usually issued under Section 16a of the Residence Act. To get it, you must show that you already have a training contract with a German company, that your German language skills are usually at least B1, and that your living costs are secured, for example through your training salary and/or additional funds [2].
Visa for the purpose of seeking a vocational training place – If you do not yet have a training contract, you may be able to obtain a special visa to come to Germany for several months to search for an Ausbildung position. Here again, you need at least B1 German, a suitable school certificate, and proof that you can finance your stay [2].

The Federal Employment Agency emphasises that for non-EU citizens a visa is needed in most cases and that proof of language skills, a recognised school-leaving certificate, and secure financing are key parts of the visa process [1][2]. If you already live in Lower Saxony with another residence title (for example as a student or for family reasons) and wish to switch to vocational training, it is very important to ask your local Ausländerbehörde in advance whether a change of purpose is possible.

Language Skills and School Certificates

Almost all vocational schools in Germany teach in German, and most training companies use German in everyday work. The Federal Employment Agency recommends that international applicants reach at least level B1 in German before starting vocational training, and some professions or schools may even expect B2 [1]. With lower language levels, it will be difficult to follow classes, understand safety instructions, and pass exams.

At the same time, you must usually have your foreign school-leaving certificate recognised, especially if it corresponds to a secondary school diploma or higher. This recognition is needed so that the vocational school can confirm that you meet the educational requirements for the chosen profession [1]. The responsible office depends on your certificate and your federal state. In some cases, the recognition process can take several months, so it is wise to start early.

Read more: find out how the recognition process works for foreign qualifications in Lower Saxony

Parallel to this, you may want to continue improving your German. In Lower Saxony, there are many options: Volkshochschulen (VHS), private schools, and online tools. Stronger German skills will make your applications more successful and your daily life in training much easier.

For a practical overview of local language-learning options, you can have a look at how to learn German in Lower Saxony using VHS courses, private schools, and apps.

Where to Search for Ausbildung Positions in Lower Saxony

Finding an Ausbildung position is easier when you know where companies publish their offers. There is no single “official” portal, but several important tools work together: state and chamber portals, the Federal Employment Agency platforms, and private job boards [3][5][7][8].

State and Chamber Portals

The seven chambers of industry and commerce (IHK) in Lower Saxony run a special search portal that collects apprenticeship positions from company websites, the Employment Agency, and other job boards and bundles them in one place for the whole state [5][6]. On this portal, you can filter positions by profession, location, and company, and when you click on an offer you are forwarded to the original posting.

This central portal has grown quickly and now lists many thousands of apprenticeship positions across Lower Saxony [5][6]. It also includes information on career-orientation events, such as training fairs and information sessions in different regions. This makes it a very efficient starting point if you are open to different cities in Lower Saxony.

In addition, the state’s own career portal for the public sector, the Karriereportal Niedersachsen, advertises training positions and dual study options at state authorities, police, and other public employers. These jobs are attractive if you are interested in stable employment with the public sector and are willing to meet specific language and citizenship or residence requirements [7].

You can explore apprenticeship offers and background information from the chambers directly via the Lower Saxony training portal meine-ausbildung-in-niedersachsen.de, which is coordinated by the IHK Niedersachsen [5][6].

Federal Employment Agency Tools and Apps

The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) provides several tools to help you find an Ausbildung place [3][4]:

Ausbildungsplatzsuche and Jobsuche – The agency’s online search tools allow you to look specifically for school-based or dual vocational training positions in your desired region. You can filter by profession, place, and other criteria [3].
AzubiWelt app – This free app notifies you when new apprenticeship positions appear in your selected professions and regions. It is especially useful if you are searching over a longer period [3].
Berufsinformationszentren (BiZ) – At the BiZ centres of the Employment Agency, you can attend events, get one-to-one advice, and discover detailed information about different professions and training paths [3][4].

The Federal Employment Agency also offers special English-language information pages for people who want to start vocational training in Germany, explaining the basic structure, requirements, and how to apply [1]. This can be particularly helpful if you are still improving your German.

Private Job Portals and Local Networks

Private job boards and apps are another important piece of the puzzle. Platforms such as Azubiyo, StepStone, Indeed, or specialised training portals list many apprenticeship positions across Germany, including thousands in Lower Saxony. For example, Azubiyo alone lists over ten thousand apprenticeship offers in the state, covering a wide range of occupations [8].

Do not forget local networks: many smaller companies advertise directly on their own websites, in local newspapers, or through posters in shop windows. You can also hear about opportunities through friends, classmates, or community groups. Asking people you know and checking local platforms (including social media groups) can reveal “hidden” opportunities that are not widely advertised [3].

How to Understand an Ausbildung Advertisement

Once you find an interesting advertisement, you need to judge quickly whether it fits your profile. According to the Employment Agency, a typical Ausbildung posting includes company information, a job title (for example “Ausbildung zur Fachinformatikerin für Systemintegration (m/w/d)”), a description of tasks and training content, requirements, and a starting date [3].

When reading the advertisement, pay special attention to the following points [3][4]:

Tasks and training content – Do the described tasks sound interesting to you? Can you imagine doing them every day for several years?
Required school-leaving certificate – Check whether your recognised certificate matches the expected level (for example “mittlerer Schulabschluss” or “Fachhochschulreife”).
Language and soft skills – Look for hints about German level, teamwork, communication skills, or willingness to work shifts.
Start date and duration – Most trainings begin around 1 August or 1 September, but some start at other times.
Application deadline and process – Note how and when to apply: online form, email, or by post, and what documents are requested.

If an advertisement is unclear, it is usually acceptable to send a short email or make a polite phone call to clarify the most important open questions before applying. This shows initiative and can leave a positive impression if done respectfully.

Your Application Package: CV, Cover Letter, and Attachments

For most Ausbildung positions, you submit a classic German-style application. The Federal Employment Agency offers detailed guides and worksheets for apprenticeship applications, including examples of cover letters and CVs and checklists for common mistakes [2][3][4]. Your application package normally includes:

An individualised cover letter (Anschreiben) – Here you explain why you want to train in this profession and why you chose this specific company. It should show that you understood the advertisement and have thought about how your skills and motivation match the role.
A clear CV (Lebenslauf) – This lists your education, language skills, part-time jobs, internships, and relevant courses. Dates should be in German format and gaps should be explained.
Attachments (Anlagen) – Copies of your school certificates, recognition notice (if available), language certificates, internship confirmations, and any other documents requested in the advertisement.

The Employment Agency recommends preparing separate application versions for different professions and companies instead of sending the same generic documents everywhere [3]. You do not need “perfect” German, but try to avoid obvious spelling errors. If possible, ask a German-speaking friend, your integration course teacher, or a student advisory service to quickly check your texts.

Because Ausbildung positions are paid and lead to a formal qualification, the selection process can be competitive. Some companies use online tests or short interviews as a first step. Others invite you directly to an interview or even an assessment day. Practising common questions beforehand, for example with the help of Employment Agency materials or university career services, can make you feel much more confident [2][3].

Support Services and Local Advice in Lower Saxony

You do not need to go through the search process alone. There are several support services you can use in Lower Saxony:

Federal Employment Agency counselling – The BA offers free vocational counselling, both online and in local offices. Counsellors can help you explore professions, review your documents, and suggest concrete apprenticeship offers in your area [1][3].
Berufsinformationszentren (BiZ) – BiZ centres in major cities such as Hannover, Braunschweig, Oldenburg, and Osnabrück organise information sessions, career fairs, and consultation hours about vocational training and transitions from school to work [3][9].
Chambers (IHK, HWK) – Chambers often provide advice to future apprentices and can answer questions about professions in industry, trade, or craft. They also know about unfilled apprenticeship places in their region [5][6].
Schools, universities, and integration course providers – If you are currently studying or attending an integration course, ask about career guidance offers, workshops, or referrals to counselling services.

Lower Saxony has also launched special campaigns and weeks dedicated to vocational training, aiming to connect young people, career changers, and companies. Information about such events is usually published on state websites, chamber portals, and city pages [9]. Participating in these events is a good way to meet potential employers in person.

Special Tips for International Newcomers

As a newcomer, you may face additional challenges: navigating the recognition of certificates, understanding German bureaucracy, and improving your language skills while searching for a training place. At the same time, international applicants are increasingly welcome, because many companies have difficulties filling all their apprenticeship positions [1][5]. Here are some specific tips:

Start language learning early – Aim for at least B1 before you begin vocational training and continue learning to reach B2, especially if your profession involves complex technical or communication tasks [1].
Be open to different regions and professions – If you restrict yourself to a single city or a very popular profession, finding a place can be harder. Being flexible increases your chances [1][3].
Use internships and trial days – Short internships or trial workdays can help you test a profession and show a company that you are motivated. This is particularly valuable if your German is still improving.
Check how work rules and your residence permit interact – If you currently have a student residence permit and are working part-time, switching to an Ausbildung may change your status. Understanding the basic student work rules helps you plan transitions safely.

To understand how part-time work interacts with your residence permit as a student in Lower Saxony, you can also read about student work rules, Minijobs, and taxes for holders of a student visa. Even if you move from university studies to vocational training, many of the same principles about permitted work and social insurance will still be relevant.

Checklist: Steps to Your Ausbildung in Lower Saxony

To finish, here is a compact checklist that you can use to structure your search process:

Clarify your goals: Which professions interest you? Are you flexible about location within Lower Saxony?
Assess your German: Aim for B1 or higher and consider additional courses if needed.
Check your certificates: Find out how and where to have your school-leaving certificate recognised.
Clarify your residence status: If you are non-EU, check which visa or residence permit you need for vocational training.
Search systematically: Use the Lower Saxony apprenticeship portal, the Federal Employment Agency tools, and private job boards.
Prepare tailored applications: Write individual cover letters and adjust your CV to the profession and company.
Use counselling services: Contact the Employment Agency, BiZ, and chambers for advice and suggestions.
Practise interviews: Prepare answers to common questions and inform yourself about each company before you speak to them.
Stay flexible and persistent: Apply to several companies at the same time and consider different cities or starting dates.

Finding an Ausbildung position in Lower Saxony takes time and effort, but with the right information, tools, and support, it is absolutely achievable. Each application teaches you something new about the system, the labour market, and yourself. Step by step, you move closer to a recognised qualification and to a long-term professional future in Germany.

References

Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). “Undergoing vocational training in Germany.” English-language overview of vocational training, including duration, training allowance, language requirements (B1), recognition of school certificates, and visa conditions for non-EU applicants (accessed 2025).
Federal Government portal “Make it in Germany.” “Visa for vocational training.” Detailed explanation of visa options for vocational training and for seeking a training place, including requirements such as B1 German, recognised school-leaving certificates, proof of financing, and prospects after training (accessed 2025).
Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). “So findest du einen Ausbildungsplatz.” Guide for young people on how to find an apprenticeship, including search tools (Jobsuche, Ausbildungsplatzsuche, AzubiWelt app), role of BiZ centres, and tips on understanding advertisements and using fairs and personal networks (accessed 2025).
Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). “Ausbildung: Alles, was du wissen musst.” General information on vocational training in Germany, structure of dual and school-based training, typical requirements, and advantages of the Ausbildung system (accessed 2025).
IHK Niedersachsen (IHK N). Press releases on the portal for apprenticeship positions in Lower Saxony, including “Ausbildungsplatz finden leicht gemacht” (2024) and follow-up information about the KI-based search function. Explain that all seven IHKs in Lower Saxony jointly collect apprenticeship positions and publish them centrally, with many thousands of listed training places (accessed 2025).
Portal “Meine Ausbildung in Niedersachsen.” Central online platform bundling apprenticeship positions in Lower Saxony and allowing filtering by profession, region, and company, plus information on career-orientation events and campaigns run by the chambers of industry and commerce (accessed 2025).
Karriereportal Niedersachsen (Land Niedersachsen). “Ausbildung & Karriere.” State-level career portal presenting training and dual study opportunities in the public sector, including information about secure working conditions, diversity of professions, and application procedures (accessed 2025).
Azubiyo training portal. Section on apprenticeship positions in Lower Saxony, listing many thousands of apprenticeship offers across different professions and regions in the state and providing orientation tools for suitable occupations (accessed 2025).
Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and associated state initiatives on dual vocational training and campaigns such as the “Aktionsplan Ausbildung für Niedersachsen,” describing efforts to strengthen vocational training, promote orientation events, and connect young people with companies (accessed 2025).