Construction and Infrastructure Sector Apprenticeship Pathway

The Ethio-German Apprenticeship Pathway Pilot project, implemented on behalf of the German and Ethiopian governments, offers young Ethiopian men and women the opportunity to undertake vocational training in alternating periods of work and study - in a company and in a training establishment - in the field of construction and infrastructure in Germany.

About the Construction and Infrastructure Sector

• Job reality: Work is predominantly outdoors on construction sites in varying weather conditions and often involves physically demanding tasks, teamwork, and strict adherence to occupational health and safety regulations. Projects may require duty travel and early working hours.
• Typical tasks: Building and maintaining roads, railways, bridges, pipelines, drainage systems, and other public infrastructure; operating construction equipment; measuring and preparing construction sites; laying concrete, asphalt or pipes; and conducting maintenance and repair work.
• Needed qualifications and competencies: Good physical fitness, technical aptitude, spatial awareness, basic mathematics, the ability to follow technical drawings, teamwork, reliability, attention to safety, and willingness to work outdoors and perform physically demanding, hands-on work.

• Hold a high school leaving certificate, a TVT certificate or a bachelor's or master's university degree. PhD holders are not eligible.
• Have demonstrable, confident and active German language proficiency at B1 level (minimum A2).
• Having a good level of English would be an asset.
• Be aged between 20 and 35 years old on 1 August 2027.
• Professional experience in the relevant sector is an asset.
• A TVT or university background in the relevant sector is an asset.
• Be motivated to work in the relevant sector.
• Demonstrate a willingness to fully integrate into the work processes and regulations of German companies.
• Be flexible, committed and open-minded.

Mandatory

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Official A2/B1 German language certificate (Goethe, TELC or OESD)
• Academic credentials (high school leaving certificate, bachelor's degree and/or TVT certificate)
• National ID or passport

Optional

• Recommendation letters or documentation of previous work experience in the relevant sector

1. Review of online applications: Candidates with a suitable profile will be selected for the assessment centre.
2. Language pre-check: A German-language check will be conducted for all suitable candidates to confirm an A2/B1 level before they proceed to the assessment centre.
   
   The selection process will take place between October and December 2026. Specific dates and further details will be communicated directly to selected candidates at a later stage.

Assessment centre: Practical tests and in-person interviews, partly in German, will assess key competencies needed for these career pathways: teamwork, communication, resilience, hand-eye coordination, organisational talent and motivation.

Company selection: German partner companies interview candidates and may sign pre-agreements with successful applicants. Company interviews will be held in German.

A six-month introductory course in Addis Ababa covers initial or refresher German B1 training, intercultural orientation, the dual vocational system, construction and infrastructure work, mathematics and occupational digital skills.

The preparatory training will start in January 2027 and requires candidates to be available full-time for the language, technical and intercultural preparation programme.

A paid apprenticeship in Germany combines practical construction and infrastructure work and vocational school. Successful candidates will start their apprenticeship in summer (August/September) 2027.

The duration of the apprenticeship in Germany will be 2-3 years.

Civil Engineering Worker

Civil engineering workers build and maintain infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, drainage systems and foundations for buildings. They prepare construction sites, work with construction materials and machinery, and ensure that structures are built according to technical specifications and safety standards.

Duration: 2-3 years

Road Construction Worker

Road construction workers build, repair and maintain roads, highways, pavements and public spaces. They operate construction equipment, lay asphalt and paving materials, and contribute to ensuring safe and durable transport infrastructure.

Duration: 3 years

Pipeline Construction Worker

Pipeline construction workers install and maintain underground pipelines for water, gas, sewage and other utility networks. They excavate trenches, connect pipe systems, carry out leak tests and ensure that installations meet technical and environmental standards.

Duration: 2-3 years

Track Construction Worker

Track construction workers construct, inspect and maintain railway tracks and related infrastructure. They replace rails and sleepers, align tracks and help ensure the safe operation of rail transport systems.

Duration: 3 years

After successful graduation, you have the option to remain in Germany and build a long-term career in the construction and infrastructure sector or return to Ethiopia to use your skills in the local market.