Internship, work shadowing and trial work

The purpose of job shadowing is to gain an insight into everyday working life in a company, ask questions and get to know the typical work processes. In this way, the job shadow should get a better overall picture of the job description. However, they may only take on an observational role and may not perform any tasks.

Both recognized refugees and asylum seekers from the 4th month of their stay in Germany as well as tolerated persons are allowed to job shadow. As this does not constitute employment, this also applies to persons with an employment ban. Neither the approval of the foreigners authority nor the employment agency is required for work shadowing.

Trial employment is used to determine suitability for a specific job. The intended activity is to be carried out on a trial basis so that the employer can assess whether the person is suitable for the job.

The same conditions apply as for taking up regular employment: Recognized refugees can be given trial employment at any time. Asylum seekers and tolerated persons can be employed on a trial basis after 3 months of residence in Germany at the earliest if they are not subject to an employment ban. They also always require the approval of the foreigners authority and, as a rule, the employment agency.

A compulsory internship is one that is an integral part of a vocational or study qualification. It does not have to be paid.

Refugees with a residence permit can complete a mandatory internship.

This is also possible for all tolerated persons and asylum seekers from the fourth month of their stay if the foreigners authority has given its approval. For asylum seekers or tolerated persons who are obliged to live in a reception center, an internship is only possible after six months. The approval of the employment agency does not have to be obtained.

This internship is completed to find a career in order to decide on a specific apprenticeship or course of study. It can also be used for career reorientation. If it lasts longer than 3 months, it is subject to a minimum wage.

It can be taken up by tolerated persons and asylum seekers from the fourth month of their stay. For asylum seekers and tolerated persons who are obliged to live in a reception center, it is only possible after 6 months. The foreigners authority must approve the internship.

If the duration of the internship exceeds 3 months, the approval of the employment agency is also required. The waiting periods will also change: they will be 3 months for asylum seekers and tolerated persons. For asylum seekers and tolerated persons who are obliged to live in a reception center, a 6-month period applies.

The introductory training (EQ) is aimed at refugees who are capable of training but are not ready for training. It is an internship subject to social insurance contributions that is funded by the Federal Employment Agency or the job centers. The EQ serves as an introduction to a possible future apprenticeship in a company. The internship for entry qualification lasts 4 to 12 months. The content is based on the first year of training and can be credited towards a later apprenticeship.

Persons with tolerated status and asylum seekers can take part in introductory training from the fourth month of their stay if they are not subject to an employment ban. For asylum seekers and tolerated persons who are obliged to live in a reception center, a 6-month period applies. The consent of the immigration authority must be obtained.

More information for employers can be found here.

In order to gain practical experience, it is conceivable that refugees may wish to voluntarily complete an internship during their training or studies.

This is possible for tolerated persons and asylum seekers from the fourth month of their stay if the foreigners authority has given its approval.

If the duration of the internship exceeds 3 months, the approval of the employment agency is also required, as the employer is then obliged to pay the minimum wage. The waiting periods will also change: they will be 3 months for asylum seekers and tolerated persons. For asylum seekers and tolerated persons who are obliged to live in a reception center, a 6-month period applies.

For the recognition of foreign professional qualifications often only partial equivalence is established. Compensatory measures are then necessary to achieve full professional recognition. These can also be practical phases in a company that serve to acquire certain practical knowledge and experience.

An internship that serves to obtain full recognition of the foreign professional qualification can be completed by recognized refugees at any time. This is possible for tolerated persons and asylum seekers from the fourth month of their stay if there is no employment ban. Regardless of the duration of the internship, the approval of the foreigners authority and the employment agency is required.

The "Measure at the employer" (MAG) is an offer from the Federal Employment Agency. It is used to gain an insight into companies, try out professional activities and make contact with employers. It can last from a few days to a few weeks.

MAG is open to refugees if they are registered as unemployed or jobseekers or receive citizen's benefit .

As it is not an internship in the narrower sense, no approval is required from the foreigners authority.

Further information on the MAG can be found here.

"Perspectives for Young Refugees" (PerjuF) is a measure of the Federal Employment Agency aimed at young people without training who have already completed compulsory schooling. They are taught about the training and labor market so that they can decide on a suitable apprenticeship. Among other things, they work in various companies to test their skills. Occupational language training may also be part of the program. The program lasts between 6 and 8 months.

PerjuF is open to young recognized refugees, asylum seekers and tolerated persons with access to the job market. Approval from the foreigners authority is not required.

Further information on PerjuF can be found here.