Under certain conditions, students can also earn high school diplomas while participating in a dual vocational training program or attending a vocational school.
At vocational school
The dual training system offers the opportunity to earn a school diploma at vocational schools.
A prerequisite for dual training is generally a training contract between the trainee and the training company. The duration of the training varies between two and three and a half years, depending on the occupation. The training takes place at two locations. Practical skills are taught at the training company, while theoretical knowledge is acquired at the vocational school.
Upon successful completion of vocational school, trainees also earn a secondary school diploma. Furthermore, they can earn a Realschule diploma and an advanced Realschule diploma. For these, the grade point average and proof of foreign language proficiency are assessed in particular.
Those who wish to earn the Fachhochschulreife (eligibility for admission to a university of applied sciences) in addition to their dual vocational training must attend supplementary classes and take an additional exam.
At vocational schools
The goal of vocational schools is to provide basic vocational training or a vocational training certificate in various fields. In addition, students have the opportunity to earn a Realschule certificate or an advanced Realschule certificate, as well as the academic portion of the Fachhochschulreife. Depending on the program, the training period lasts one to three years. The minimum admission requirement for a vocational school is a Hauptschule diploma.
Further Information
The brochure *Paths to a Professional Future* from the Saxony-Anhalt Ministry of Education provides an overview of earning school diplomas alongside vocational training and of vocational schools in general.
Framework guidelines and curricula for vocational schools can be found on the website of the Saxony-Anhalt State Institute for School Quality and Teacher Training (LISA). An overview of fields of study, areas of specialization, and credentials is also provided.