School (Schule) as an Alternative to Starting Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany 2025

The Vocational Preparation Year (BVJ) in Germany is aimed at young people who have not yet found a training position or who, after completing school, do not yet possess the necessary academic or personal prerequisites for vocational training (Ausbildung). It offers the opportunity to acquire fundamental professional knowledge in various career fields and to orient oneself professionally. The BVJ can help compensate for existing academic deficiencies, improve the chances of obtaining a training position, and attain the main school diploma (Hauptschulabschluss). It is particularly suitable for school leavers with a low or no diploma and serves as a bridge between school time and vocational training (Ausbildung).

An additional school leaving certificate in Germany offers an alternative to directly entering vocational training (Ausbildung) and allows individuals to improve their qualifications, thereby increasing their chances in the job market. In particular, obtaining the Abitur or Fachhochschulreife provides access to higher education and more qualified professions. For students who, after completing the Hauptschulabschluss or Realschulabschluss, do not yet have a clear career orientation, an additional school leaving certificate offers the opportunity to gain more time for career exploration and better prepare for future demands.