Inquiring about the possibility of a change in training providers.
Terminating an Apprenticeship in Germany: A Guide
For apprentices in Germany, the process of terminating a training contract after the probationary period requires careful adherence to legal notice periods and written notice. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:
Probationary Period
During the probationary period, which typically lasts between one and four months, either party can terminate the contract more freely and often without notice.
Outside the Probationary Period
Once the probationary period ends, an apprentice must provide at least four weeks' written notice, timed to the 15th or last day of the month, unless another longer notice period is contractually agreed. This notice period must be complied with unless a different period has been agreed in the contract or collective agreement.
Notice Period
According to German law, the minimum notice period for employees to terminate is four weeks, either to the 15th or to the end of a month. Longer notice periods may apply if stipulated in the training contract or collective bargaining agreements relevant to the industry.
Written Notice
The termination must be in writing to be valid.
Termination Reasons
Outside the probationary period, apprentices need a serious reason for immediate termination to change their apprenticeship place. Serious reasons could include the employer not paying wages or the apprentice being bullied at work.
Changing Companies
It's helpful to check if the new company recognizes previous training times.
Advice and Support
For those seeking advice, the youth organization of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB Youth) has published a guide for starting an apprenticeship, and their online offer "Dr. Apprentice" is available to help with any problems or questions about apprenticeships.
During the Notice Period
Apprentices cannot continue their apprenticeship in another company during the notice period.
Ending the Apprenticeship
Outside the probationary period, apprentices can terminate their training relationship, but only if one wants to give up the chosen profession.
Mutual Consent
A termination agreement ends the apprenticeship by mutual consent. If the previous company does not agree to a termination agreement, the apprentice needs a serious reason for immediate termination to change their apprenticeship place.
This process safeguards both the apprentice's and employer's rights during the regulated training period in Germany.
- To effectively pursue education-and-self-development and career-development opportunities after leaving an apprenticeship in Germany, it is advisable for apprentices to check if their new employer recognizes their previous training times.
- During the notice period after ending an apprenticeship outside the probationary period in Germany, apprentices cannot continue their apprenticeship in another company.
