Luu Thi Ngoc Tuy, chairwoman of Vilaco International Human Resources, speaking at an event on educational opportunities in Germany on Jan. 8, said nearly all Vietnamese studying in that country secure jobs after graduation, earning €2,500–4,000 (US$2,575-4,120) a month.
But the country’s potential remains largely untapped, with Vietnamese lagging behind others in enrollment in apprenticeships, she said.
Data from the Goethe-Institut Hanoi shows that only about 4,000 Vietnamese enrolled last year.
Tuy said this was significantly lower than India’s 42,000 and China’s 39,000 apprentices.
Germany’s need for skilled workers continues to rise.
Last year German news outlet Welt reported a shortfall of 1.3 million workers, particularly in healthcare.
Daily newspaper Daily Mirror has estimated that the country needs 400,000 skilled immigrant workers annually.
Tuy said this shortage offers Vietnamese the opportunity to establish careers in Germany.
Since 2022 Vilaco has sent around 400 Vietnamese apprentices abroad, 70% of them specializing in nursing, dental assistance and fields like hospitality and industrial electrical engineering.
During their training they earn €950-1,600 ($980-1,650) per month, enough to cover living expenses, and after the completion of their programs nearly everyone gets jobs with salaries of €2,500-4,000 ($2,575-4,120) per month, on a par with the national average.
Workers at an automobile factory in Munich, Germany, Dec. 5, 2023. Photo by Reuters |
Nguyen Quang Duc, chairman of overseas education consultancy VNEU, concurred with her about the low number of Vietnamese apprentices in Germany.
He said that country offers excellent career and personal growth opportunities, and the requirements for apprenticeships there are straightforward: applicants need a B1-level proficiency in German, a high school diploma and no serious health conditions such as cancer or hepatitis B.
The cost to move to Germany, including documentation, contracts, language training, and housing, is around VND200 million (US$7,880).
Apprenticeship programs in Germany are tuition-free and typically last three years, with 70% of the training focused on practical work in factories.
Duc said: “Most Vietnamese apprentices sign two-year contracts after graduation unless they fail to complete their programs. If they meet company requirements, their contracts are often renewed.”
Germany has introduced policies to attract more foreign apprentices.
In March 2024 the maximum application age increased from 25 to 35, the German language requirement dropped from B2 to B1 and apprentices with residence permits were allowed to work up to 20 hours a week to earn extra incomes.
Work permit procedures have been simplified to streamline the process further.
Earlier applicants in fields like healthcare and law had to go through around four-month procress for their Vietnamese qualifications to be approved before entering the country, but now this can be done after arrival.
Workers must still provide a labor contract, proof of at least two years of training or a university degree and A2-level German proficiency.
Duc said Vietnamese apprentices’ strong work ethic makes them well-suited for nursing and elder care, work that is in high demand in Germany.
But both experts acknowledged that Vietnamese apprentices face certain challenges like the language barrier.
Tuy said German is difficult to learn, and B1-level proficiency is often inadequate for fluent workplace communication.
She also cited cultural differences and Germany’s slow bureaucratic processes as other hurdles.
Duc said some Vietnamese apprentices face challenges abroad due to a lack of proper career guidance before leaving.
“Clear career guidance is essential. Apprentices need to develop strong communication, language and soft skills to succeed in Germany.
“While employers are eager to fill vacancies, they still expect competent workers.”
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