During the probationary period, either party can end the vocational training contract without notice. After that, the provider may terminate it only for good cause; trainees may give four weeks’ notice if they want to give up vocational training or train for a different occupation. If you want to continue in the same occupation with another provider, you should coordinate the change with the new provider and the responsible body before the existing contract ends. The responsible body, such as a Chamber of Crafts or Chamber of Industry and Commerce, can clarify the change and registration of the new contract. Previous training periods and skills already acquired may be relevant to continuing the training; the new provider should check with the responsible body how they can be credited. If you are in publicly funded external vocational training, the agreements with the Federal Employment Agency or Jobcenter also apply. Before changing providers, clarify with them whether the new training place fits the funding arrangement and what steps are required. A change may also affect vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe, BAB) payments: report changes to the training provider and start date to the Federal Employment Agency so it can review your entitlement and calculation.
Changing training providers before vocational training in Germany
Changing training providers can allow company-based vocational training to continue if a new provider takes over the training place. In Germany, the process depends on whether the existing contract is still within its probationary period and whether you will continue in the same occupation.
Tip
A change of provider is safest when the new training place and continuation in the same occupation have been confirmed before the existing contract ends. If your training is publicly funded, the change may also affect the funding and vocational training allowance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe, BAB).