School-leaving qualifications can also be obtained under certain conditions during dual in-company training and training at a Berufsfachschule (vocational college).
At the Berufsschule (Vocational School)
The dual training system offers the possibility of catching up on school-leaving qualifications at vocational schools.
The prerequisite for dual training is basically a training contract between the trainee and the training company. The length of the training varies between two and three and a half years, depending on the profession. The training takes place at two learning locations. On the one hand, practical knowledge is imparted at the training company, on the other hand, theoretical knowledge is acquired at the vocational school.
With the successful completion of the vocational school education, the trainees also acquire the Hauptschulabschluss. Furthermore, they can obtain a Realschulabschluss and an extended Realschulabschluss. In particular, the grade point average and proof of foreign language skills are checked here.
Those who want to acquire the Fachhochschulreife alongside the dual vocational training must attend additional classes and take an additional examination.
At the Berufsfachschule
The aim of the vocational colleges is to provide basic vocational training or a vocational training qualification in various specialisations. In addition, there is the possibility of acquiring a Realschulabschluss or extended Realschulabschluss as well as the school-based part of the Fachhochschulreife. The training period is one to three years, dpending on the course. The entrance requirement for the Berufsfachschule is at least the Hauptschulabschluss.
Further information
The brochure ‘Wege in die Berufliche Zukunft’ [Pathways to a professional future] of the Ministry of Education of Saxony-Anhalt provides an overview of the acquisition of school-leaving qualifications during training and of vocational schools in general. Framework guidelines and curricula for the Berufsfachschule colleges can be found on the website of the Saxony-Anhalt State Institute for School Quality and Teacher Training (LISA). In addition, an overview of fields of study, specialisations and degrees is provided.