Overview
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 electrical and building technology in Germany.
About the Electrical & Building Technology Sector
- Job reality: Work is carried out in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, both on construction sites and during maintenance assignments. The occupation combines practical installation work with technical problem-solving and requires compliance with electrical and safety standards.
- Typical tasks: Installing, commissioning, maintaining and repairing electrical systems, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, water supply and sanitation systems; troubleshooting technical faults; reading technical plans; testing installations; and advising customers on system operation.
- Needed qualifications and competencies: Strong technical understanding, logical thinking, attention to detail, basic mathematics and physics, problem-solving skills, reliability, customer orientation, strict adherence to safety procedures, and willingness to perform physically demanding, hands-on work.
Entry requirements
- 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.
Documents required
Mandatory
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Official 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
Selection process
- Review of online applications: Candidates with a suitable profile will be selected for the assessment centre.
- 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 and company selection
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.
Stage 1 · Addis Ababa
A six-month introductory course in Addis Ababa covers initial or refresher German B1 training, intercultural orientation, the dual vocational system, electrical and building technology, 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.
Stage 2 · Germany
A paid apprenticeship in Germany combines practical electrical and building technology work and vocational school. Successful candidates will start their apprenticeship in summer (August/September) 2027.
The duration of the apprenticeship in Germany will be 3-3.5 years.
Career options
Electronics Technician for Energy and Building Technology
Electronics technicians for energy and building technology install, programme and maintain electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings. Their work includes lighting, power supply, smart building technologies and safety systems while ensuring compliance with electrical regulations.
Duration: 3.5 years
Electronics Technician for Industrial Engineering
Electronics technicians for industrial engineering install, maintain and repair electrical equipment used in factories and industrial plants. They troubleshoot automated production systems, perform preventive maintenance and contribute to keeping industrial processes running efficiently.
Duration: 3.5 years
Plant Mechanic for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
Plant mechanics install and maintain heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and sanitary systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. They ensure that these systems operate efficiently, safely and in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Duration: 3.5 years
Plumber
Tinsmiths manufacture and install sheet metal components for roofs and facades, including gutters, downpipes, windowsills and cladding. They shape and assemble sheet metal through processes such as bending, cutting, folding and soldering. They also install ventilation systems, solar collectors, snow guards, bird deterrent systems and lightning protection systems, and produce cladding for insulated pipes and tanks.
Duration: 3.5 years
After graduation
After successful graduation, you have the option to remain in Germany and build a long-term career in the electrical and building technology sector or return to Ethiopia to use your skills in the local market.