Changing Training Providers: Is it Possible?
In Germany, the process of terminating an apprenticeship contract outside the probationary period (usually 1 to 4 months) involves stricter rules compared to termination during probation. Here's a breakdown of the rights and procedures for apprentices who wish to terminate their training after the probationary period.
Termination Notice and Grounds
After the probationary period, apprentices cannot usually terminate the contract without good cause. The law requires a valid reason such as training being impossible, substantial breaches by the employer, or other serious reasons. Ordinary termination without cause is typically not allowed during the fixed term of the apprenticeship.
Continuation with Another Company
To switch apprenticeship companies after termination, the apprentice must:
- Officially terminate the existing apprenticeship contract in accordance with legal or contractual rules (valid reason required outside probation).
- Register and contract with another training company willing to take them on.
- Coordinate with the vocational school because the apprenticeship is dual education — both company training and school education must continue aligned.
- Seek approval or notify the competent Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK) that oversees apprenticeship contracts and ensures legal compliance.
Legal Protection
Termination outside probation requires compliance with Sections of the German Vocational Training Act (BBiG) and/or the German Civil Code (BGB). Arbitrary termination may be challenged in court or by a chamber, especially if it violates apprentices’ rights.
Settlement Agreement
After the probationary period, apprentices who want to continue their training elsewhere can agree on a settlement agreement. This ends the training relationship by mutual consent, and the apprentice can then start a new apprenticeship with another company.
During the Probationary Period
During the probationary period, the training relationship can be terminated at any time without notice or reason.
Additional Information
For non-EU nationals or refugees under tolerated stay (“Duldung”), discontinuing training still provides a 6-month tolerated stay to find a new training place, enabling continuation with another company under legal protection.
The youth organization of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB Youth) has published a guide for starting an apprenticeship, offering advice on problems and questions about apprenticeship. If you encounter any issues, you can also contact "Dr. Apprentice" for assistance.
[1] DGB Youth Guide for Starting an Apprenticeship [2] German Vocational Training Act (BBiG) [3] Information for non-EU nationals or refugees under tolerated stay
- In the context of career development, apprentices who have surpassed their apprenticeship's probationary period must provide valid reasons for termination and comply with legal procedures to efficiently switch to another training company, as they cannot terminate the contract without cause.
- For those who wish to continue their learning journey after terminating their apprenticeship, engaging in a settlement agreement allows them to break the training relationship by mutual consent, subsequently starting a new apprenticeship with different educational and self-development opportunities.
