Skill Training, Employment and Career Opportunities for Indian Youth in Germany

“There are many opportunities coming up for Indian citizens in Germany. They are more important than ever because Germany has changed the recognition of visa applications, the qualifications, and the processes involved. And this gives India new possibilities,” said Mr. Jan Ebben, Country Director for Germany, NAVIS HR, while highlighting the opportunities for Indian youth in Germany. 

To learn more about what it means to work in Germany, in-demand industry sectors in Germany, job opportunities for Indian youth, skillsets in demand, and the importance of learning the German language, among other things, we conversed with Mr. Jan Ebben, Country Director for Germany, NAVIS HR.

Below are some of the excerpts from the interview. You can watch the complete video on our YouTube channel.

In-demand industry sectors in Germany

• Logistics sector
• Retail sector
• Healthcare sector
• Tertiary sector (electricians)
• Automotive sector

“Although there is a demand there, I believe we also need to consider where the highest proportion of people are employed in particular occupations, given the opportunities opening up for Indian citizens. We have demand in housekeeping, food processing, agriculture, and construction too,” said Mr. Jan Ebben.

In-demand job roles for Indian youth in Germany 

• Technical occupations
• Nurses
• Electricians
• Drivers
• Engineers

“These are the areas that need our focus as they offer the best prospects, and we are dedicated to assisting Indians in obtaining lucrative jobs in Germany,” said Mr. Jan Ebben.

Preparing for employment in Germany

1. The need for German language proficiency: The European Framework of Reference for Language Skills has six levels. In this range, A1 is at the bottom, and C2 is at the top. A work permit must change into a visa using the B1 level. To demonstrate their language proficiency, the qualified candidates must pass a test and finish a language course that advances them to the B1 level. Many organisations prefer B2, which is one level higher. Following B1, the visa and recognition procedures start, and it takes some time to prepare for the B2 level. This preparation can be done in India or after arriving in Germany.
2. Skill requirements to work in Germany: The candidates must go through a recognition procedure by a recognised German authority. This method compares the occupational standard, the National Occupational Standard – Qualification Pack (NOS-QP), that is now in existence in India. Then a specific course for each new skill is required after identifying any gaps. This may take three to six months to complete after arriving in Germany and may involve coursework or further work experience.

Cultural awareness for Indians in Germany

While speaking about cultural awareness for Indian youth to keep in mind when they work in Germany, Mr. Jan Ebben said, “I believe that any effective language training would includes a strong cultural component. NAVIS HR strongly supports teaching candidates with native language teachers at its language centre and uses native German speakers as much as possible in the courses. The culture cannot be learnt; it must be experienced. The majority of cultural learning takes place once the candidates arrive in Germany.

I have learned that nursing is often a managerial position in India. And the hands-on work with the patients is frequently done by nursing assistants rather than certified and qualified B.Sc. nurses. Germany operates a little differently. Any nurse must work directly and physically with the patient. It is more of a labour-intensive job than a management one. This is deeply embedded in the culture; therefore, Indian candidates need to be aware of this and be ready for hands-on work in Germany.”

Also read: Realise Your Japanese Dream Through Indo-Japan Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/oldsite/realise-your-japanese-dream-through-indo-japan-technical-intern-training-program-titp/

The salary scale for a nurse in Germany

Mr. Jan Ebben noted that “In Germany, nursing and nursing apprenticeships are covered by union contracts. As a result, the pay scale is consistent throughout the country. The stipends for apprenticeships are already fairly large and quite enticing. Because it reflects the demand that exists. In a three-year apprenticeship, the first year’s stipend under the dual system will already be in the range of 12,000 to 15,000 euros. In Indian rupees, that is equivalent to around one lakh. Yet it is also a case of “learn as you earn,” since people will not have to pay the high nursing college tuition fees any longer and instead will get a free education plus a lucrative stipend on top of that.”