Compulsory vocational schools (Berufsbildende Pflichtschulen)

In extra-occupational comprehensive courses, compulsory vocational schools teach apprentices basic theory while they train in their trade. They supplement and enhance incompany training and general education. The number of school years is determined by the length of training required in a given trade or occupation. The period of training may last from two to four years depending on the apprenticeship, though the norm is three years. Instruction at a vocational school may be organized in any of the following ways: throughout the year, i.e. at least one full school day or at least two half school days per week; this may either be based on the apprenticeship, i.e. at least eight weeks solid, or by time of year, i.e. an instruction block for a specific period of the year. The wide variety of organizational forms is the result of an agreement between industry and the school authorities and takes the requirements of individual sectors and regions into account. Close cooperation between all those involved in vocational training at different centres of learning is one of the key factors behind the success of the dual system. A modern vocational training requires close links between theory and practice, between tuition at a vocational school and industrial practice.

There are currently more than 250 recognized trades in the following categories: Construction – office, administration, organization – chemistry – printing, photography, graphics, paper processing – electrical engineering, electronics – catering – health and hygiene – trade – wood, glass, ceramics – information and communications technologies – food, beverage and tobacco – metallurgy and mechanical engineering – textiles, fashion, leather – animals and plants – transportation and ware-housing.

Once an apprentice has achieved the educational objective of the final class of vocational school, the final apprentice examination consists only of a practical part. Apprentices who wish for example to take a university degree after taking their final apprentice examination may do so after passing a Berufsreifeprüfung (vocational matriculation examination) consisting of four parts (German, mathematics, a modern language, special subject). Three parts of this examination can generally be taken during the apprenticeship (after the student turns 17) and the final part when the student has turned 19. Apprentices have the option of attending preparatory courses at no cost.

Integrated vocational training is offered both as an apprenticeship with an extended period of training (extension for one or at most two years) and as career training, which leads to partial qualifications. With the partial qualification option, the student has the possibility of undergoing a specially-tailored training in which the individual skills and aptitude and the individual needs of the student can be met. The training location is the company or special independent training institutions as well as vocational colleges (obligation or right to attend a vocational college).

For information on the vocational matriculation examination visit: www.bmukk.gv.at/berufsmatura

Geändert am 26.02.2009