Vocational schools

Vocational schools provide general and vocational education in vocational and study-qualifying courses of education.

The vocational schools are divided into

• Part-time vocational schools (part-time and block vocational school, cooperative basic vocational training year, part-time vocational preparation courses, part-time technical colleges) and
• full-time vocational schools (full-time vocational preparation courses, full-time vocational schools, specialised upper secondary schools, vocational upper secondary schools and specialised schools).

Vocational school
The dual system of vocational education and training, consisting of the learning locations of vocational school and company, is the most common form of training.

Vocational school/higher vocational school
Vocational schools offer basic vocational training or full-time school-based vocational training (assistant professions) in various specialisations and focuses.

Fachoberschule
The special feature of the Fachoberschule is the interlocking of practical training (guided work placement over one year with three practical days in the company, dual vocational training, full-time school-based vocational training) with a theoretically oriented education. It leads to a degree qualifying for study, the Fachhochschulreife.

Berufliches Gymnasium (Vocational Grammar School)
Like the upper school of the general grammar school, the vocational grammar school is a study-qualifying course of education that builds on the intermediate school. The goal is the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur). In addition to general education, vocational education content is taught in the chosen subject area.

Fachschule
Fachschulen are institutions of continuing vocational education and training. The educational courses in the various subject areas follow on from initial vocational training and acquired work experience.