Food Retail 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 food retail in Germany.

About the Food Retail Sector

• Job reality: Work takes place in supermarkets, bakeries, butcher shops and other food retail businesses. Employees interact with customers throughout the day and often work early mornings, evenings or weekends. Hygiene and food safety standards are essential.
• Typical tasks: Advising customers, selling food products, operating cash registers, stocking shelves and displays, checking product quality and freshness, preparing products for sale, maintaining hygiene standards, and managing inventory.
• Needed qualifications and competencies: Customer service orientation, communication skills, numeracy, reliability, attention to hygiene, organisational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced retail environment.

• 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 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, food retail sector skills, 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 food retail 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.

Retail Sales Specialist in the Food Trade (Bakery/Butchery)

Retail sales specialists in bakeries and butcheries advise customers on food products and prepare items for sale in accordance with hygiene standards. They present products attractively, process sales transactions and help manage stock and product quality.

Duration: 3 years

Retail Salesperson (Food Retail)

Retail salespersons work in supermarkets and food retail stores where they advise customers, replenish shelves and operate cash registers. They help ensure an attractive shopping environment while maintaining product quality and food safety standards.

Duration: 3 years

Retail Sales Clerk (Food Retail)

Retail sales clerks support the daily operation of food retail businesses by selling products, managing inventory and assisting customers. They monitor stock levels, check product freshness and contribute to efficient store operations and customer satisfaction.

Duration: 2 years

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