On the one hand, the retraining as a vocational school teacher enables the lateral entry into the teaching profession. On the other hand, takes into account the already existing expertise from the previous professional activity.
For many people who feel a connection to their profession and at the same time are looking for new perspectives in the educational field, lateral entry is thus a promising way to pursue a career.
Vocational school teachers – career and salary
Usually, the central task of a teacher is to provide his or her students with the necessary knowledge in the subject being taught. At the same time, pedagogical aspects play a central role, because we work every day with children and young people who need competent support in the course of their personal development.
At vocational schools, pedagogy tends to take a back seat in this respect, since the vocational students are adults. This fact makes it easier for lateral entrants without a degree in pedagogy, although pedagogical and didactic competencies can by no means be completely dispensed with.
Those who wish to become vocational school teachers in a roundabout way will concentrate on the subject area that comes closest to their previous work. Basically, the following fields are available for selection:
– commercial professions – industrial-technical professions – health professions – home economics – social professions
Qualified vocational school teachers can pursue careers at the following educational institutions:
The average salary of a vocational school teacher can range between 32.000 euros and 44.500 euros gross per year, with a wide variety of factors influencing the income.
📌 Become a vocational school teacher as a career changer
When it comes to the teaching profession, most people think of general education schools and see their professional future as an educator at an elementary school, secondary modern school, secondary modern school, grammar school or comprehensive school.
Vocational schools are often left out of the equation, although they offer good opportunities for career changers in particular. Particularly at vocational schools, there is a lack of young teachers in some subject areas, so that lateral entrants are generally welcome.
Building on the existing degree and professional experience, pedagogical competencies can be acquired in a traineeship or through in-service qualifications and thus prepare professionally for the teaching profession.
More detailed information on the respective framework conditions for retraining as a vocational school teacher can be obtained from the Ministry of Education of the respective federal state.
Which professions are suitable for vocational school teachers?
The initial occupation plays a special role in retraining as a vocational school teacher, as it determines the subject area that is taken up. Business administration graduates can participate in training in commercial professions, while medical graduates, among others, are predestined for the field of health professions.
If a relevant subject area can be derived from the studies of the vocational school teacher retrainee, the chances are basically good. The situation is particularly promising for engineers, social pedagogues and IT experts with professional experience.
Duration and costs of the vocational school teacher retraining program
For prospective vocational school teachers who have not completed the classic teacher training program but want to retrain, as it were, are particularly interested in the framework conditions associated with retraining as a vocational school teacher.
Due to the quite different regulations in the federal states, interested parties will not find any generally valid statements, but must always obtain information from the respective Ministry of Education.
The federal states have comprehensive information on lateral entry available there. Apart from the cost of living, which must also be covered during the retraining, there are usually no costs involved.
The duration of the qualification depends on the form of the lateral entry. Those who manage the direct entry, which is possible in exceptional cases, do not lose any time and can work directly as vocational school teachers. However, this is not the rule.
Often it is necessary to acquire additional qualifications on a part-time basis, which can take between two and three years. In addition, some federal states rely on the Referendariat as a preparatory service for career changers, who are thus prepared for teaching in 18 to 24 months.
What content is covered in the retraining to become a vocational school teacher?
If you are seriously interested in retraining as a vocational school teacher, you should not only look into the general conditions of the qualification, but also find out what it is all about.
For this reason, the contents of the measure are also of great interest and show what one is getting into. Since it is primarily practitioners who are considered as lateral entrants, the retraining focuses on pedagogical and didactic competencies.
There is usually no doubt about professional qualifications, but there is still a need to catch up in terms of pedagogy. For example, anyone who has successfully completed an academic degree in business administration and also has relevant professional experience undoubtedly has the specialist qualifications to teach prospective business people as a vocational school teacher. Didactic concepts and pedagogical work in general, on the other hand, are new territory. For this reason, they are dealt with intensively in the course of retraining as vocational school teachers. Retraining to become a vocational school teacher is aimed at those with professional qualifications. Corresponds to a certain extent to further pedagogical training. By combining this with their existing specialist knowledge, participants are thus ideally equipped for a teaching position at a vocational school and can impart to trainees the knowledge they need for their day-to-day work and, of course, initially for the final examination.
Can you become a vocational school teacher without studying? – Requirements for retraining as a vocational school teacher
One question that drives many interested parties is whether it is possible to become a vocational school teacher without a degree. A distinction must be made in this regard. You don't necessarily have to have a teaching degree to teach at a vocational school, because the education ministries of the federal states also offer courses for lateral entrants.
It should be noted, however, that a lateral entry also requires a completed university degree with a standard period of study of at least eight semesters. Consequently, the retraining is suitable for master's graduates.
The degree obtained must be recognized by the respective ministry so that the application for the preparatory service has a chance of success. Depending on the federal state, a certain amount of professional experience may also be required or a maximum age may be stipulated.
Vocational school teachers are urgently needed – The opportunity for lateral entrants
When it comes to a promising lateral entry into the teaching profession, there is often talk of a career as a vocational school teacher. In traditional teacher training programs, vocational school teaching is often neglected because most students want to teach at elementary schools, secondary schools, comprehensive schools or high schools.
Vocational schools are often completely disregarded, which often leads to an acute shortage of qualified teachers. Competent teachers are at least as urgently needed at vocational schools as at other schools, after all, the aim here is to qualify specialists for the profession. The situation is quite dramatic in some regions and areas, which offers great opportunities for career changers.
The profession of vocational school teacher must not be underestimated; after all, it is not only the imparting of general education knowledge that is the task of the education system. In order to be able to adequately meet the shortage of skilled workers in many areas, teaching staff at vocational schools are required to impart theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
If you want to work as an educator, but don't want to lose touch with the real world, the vocational school teaching program is the right choice for you. Career changers actually have an advantage here, because they know the practice very well and have a completely different insight into the reality of everyday working life. The fact that the students often see the vocational school only as a necessary evil and are very different in terms of origin, social environment and age, however, always presents vocational school teachers with more or less great challenges.
The lateral entry as a vocational school teacher is thus without question a great opportunity, but at the same time also a real challenge. The day-to-day professional life at a vocational school is different from that at a general education school, but by no means worse. However, the students are already more or less in adulthood. Seeing in vocational school a chore.
Vocational practitioners are needed here to convey the theoretical material in a practical and interesting way. Those who have taken up teaching studies directly after school can sometimes hardly do so, after all, they do not know the reality of the professions in question at all. But lateral entrants do, which often earns them the respect of their students.
Where to apply for retraining as a vocational school teacher?
Academics and professional practitioners are sometimes equally interested in qualifying as vocational school teachers and thus want to make a career change. Those who want to take advantage of the opportunities for lateral entry are sometimes at a loss and don't know where to turn. In general, the Ministry of Education of the respective federal state is the right contact point, as it regulates access to the vocational school teaching profession for lateral entrants. However, the application sometimes has to be addressed to a school. Has to be done in response to a relevant advertisement. For this reason, those interested in retraining as a vocational school teacher must always be on the lookout for job postings with which the schools also address lateral entrants. Due to the shortage of teachers, this is not at all uncommon.
Lateral entry into the teaching profession for vocational school teachers
Teachers at vocational schools are currently in urgent demand, so there are sometimes opportunities for career changers to enter the teaching profession for vocational school teachers.
Specialists from a variety of disciplines can undergo additional training to acquire the skills they need to pass on their know-how to future teachers at vocational colleges, technical schools and other educational institutions.
If, on the one hand, you would like to change your career, but on the other hand you would like to continue to benefit from your knowledge and skills, you are right on target with a lateral entry into the teaching profession for vocational school teachers and should at least inquire about appropriate qualification paths.
The part-time study of business education M.A.
For trained business people who have already completed a bachelor's degree in economics, for example, it does not necessarily have to be a career in management. Those who are more interested in the education sector can sometimes consider the part-time study of business education M.A. consider. At the Allensbach University of Applied Sciences, it is possible to obtain a postgraduate master's degree in business education while working. Business education combines economic topics with pedagogy. Creates a solid foundation for a lateral entry into the teaching profession as a vocational school teacher. Thanks to the part-time form of study, the lateral entry can also be made slowly and smoothly.
Why become a teacher at a vocational college??
When it comes to retraining as a vocational school teacher, interested parties should not only look into the modalities of such a qualification, but should first critically question their own motivation. Not infrequently, the job as a teacher is seen as a stopgap solution and an opportunity for all those who have not made it in the free economy.
However, such an approach is doomed to failure, because even a lateral entry into the teaching profession does not change the fact that the teaching profession is very demanding and challenging. Only those who put their heart and soul into it and have the desire to work pedagogically can become a good teacher. This is no different at vocational schools.
However, the question sometimes arises as to why one should become a teacher at a vocational college of all places. There are several reasons for this, which can be summarized as follows:
Use of previous vocational knowledge
A major advantage of retraining as a vocational school teacher is that the knowledge and skills gained from previous professional life are not lost, but rather are an asset for working as a vocational school teacher in the field in question. In this way, one can not only provide the students with theoretical knowledge, but also report directly from professional practice. Good opportunities for lateral entrants to the vocational school teaching profession
Not to be overlooked is the fact that teaching staff is urgently needed at vocational schools. This gives career changers good opportunities for a lateral entry into vocational school teaching. Imparting vocational knowledge
If you are thinking about becoming a teacher at a vocational college, you should always keep in mind that you are laying the foundation for your students' careers there. Vocational school instruction complements practical training in the company and imparts in-depth knowledge that, to a certain extent, forms the foundation of the occupational activity.
What are the alternatives to vocational teacher retraining??
Retraining as a vocational school teacher is, of course, not without alternatives and is therefore not the only option for people who want to pass on professionally relevant knowledge.
A classical study with the goal vocational school teaching profession should be considered in such a way. In addition, it is also possible to obtain the so-called training certificate and to contribute to the qualification of junior staff at company level.
Where can you teach after retraining to become a vocational school teacher??
The prospects that arise after retraining as a vocational school teacher are usually the decisive factor in deciding for or against such a career change.
Those who complete a preparatory service for lateral entrants to the vocational school teaching profession via the responsible authority can work at various vocational schools.
This usually involves the following types of schools:
– Vocational colleges – Vocational schools – Commercial schools – Vocational colleges – Technical colleges – Technical academies – Technical schools – Business schools
Typical subjects for vocational school teachers are
Anyone wishing to become a vocational school teacher must not only acquire appropriate pedagogical and didactic skills, but also professional competence in relevant subjects. This is typically ensured by the fact that the teacher training program not only imparts pedagogical know-how, but also offers a choice of different subjects.
For lateral entrants to the vocational school teaching profession, previous vocational and/or academic training is decisive in determining which subject one can teach. In addition to the general education subjects that are also taught at other types of schools, there are various subject areas to choose from in the vocational school teaching program.
These result, for example, in the following typical subjects for vocational school teachers:
– Accounting – Business informatics – Business studies – Economics – Pedagogy – Sociology – Electrical engineering – Materials science – Mechanics – Mechatronics – Textile design – Food preparation – Nutrition
Vocational school teachers are needed in a wide variety of subjects, which can only be listed here in extracts. It depends primarily on the respective subject area as well as the qualification which subject you teach as a vocational school teacher.
Since there is a shortage of skilled workers in many industries and teachers are desperately sought after anyway, there are interesting career opportunities in vocational education with almost all subjects. Interested persons should know, however, that not only the actual teaching determines their professional life.
As a vocational school teacher, you have to prepare and follow up lessons. In addition, one should keep up to date in the relevant subjects and constantly inform oneself.
Formal and personal requirements for retraining as a vocational school teacher
All those who are toying with the idea of starting a new career as a vocational school teacher should consider the following prerequisites.
As a career changer, you do not have a degree in vocational teaching and do not need to be able to prove that you have one. This does not mean that formal requirements are not important.
Depending on the federal state, there can be very different requirements that must be observed. For example, the following previous education may be required:
– Completed non-teaching university studies – Several years of professional experience – Degree from a university of applied sciences
The extent to which these criteria must be fulfilled can vary greatly. Before applying, interested parties should therefore contact the relevant Ministry of Education and ask for the details applicable in each case. Often there are also different programs for applicants with different requirements. Part-time training in the form of a dual course of study is just as possible as a pedagogical introduction to the teaching profession.
At least as important as the formal criteria are the personal qualities that teachers at vocational schools should possess. This is where assertiveness, strong communication skills, organizational skills, empathy, openness and consistency come into play. In addition, one should be able to establish references to professional practice and be fair to learners. A certain talent in pedagogy and didactics is also very valuable and helps enormously in the design of lessons.
How does the financing of vocational teacher retraining work??
Retraining measures always prove to be a costly undertaking. On the one hand, there are considerable course fees, on the other hand, the cost of living continues to run. During the retraining, however, one usually earns no money and is therefore dependent on state support, such as the education voucher.
However, this is somewhat different in the case of retraining to become a vocational school teacher. Participants will be enrolled in a program for lateral entrants. Complete such a traineeship with parallel training courses, if necessary. Of course, they are paid and thus already earn a fixed income during the qualification process. Consequently, financing is not too much of a problem, as no major costs are to be expected. One can ensure the current living costs through the salary.
Basically, it is important to keep in mind that there can be differences from country to country. For this reason, you should first do detailed research on financing in order to get an exact picture of the situation. This may include exploring possible funding opportunities.
Where can those interested in a career change into vocational school teaching receive information??
People who want to become vocational school teachers as lateral entrants are often very uncertain at first. First of all, they have in mind that this requires a teaching degree. In addition, the individual federal states sometimes have widely divergent guidelines and rules. So it is not easy to find answers to all questions. The Internet is without question a good source of research. Provides, among other things, reports on the experiences of successful career changers.
Prospective vocational teachers should go online to the website of their country's Ministry of Education. Here you can find further information about the possibilities of a lateral entry without a teaching degree. A personal appointment or even a consultation at the employment office can also help to gain clarity. In the end, you have to get an overview yourself. See everything in the context of your own life situation. The knowledge gained in this way can be used to make the right choice.
Is it possible to become a vocational school teacher without retraining or studying??
At first glance, it seems completely absurd to teach as a vocational school teacher without any pedagogical qualification at all. In addition to the relevant courses of study at universities, the responsible state authorities also offer special programs for career changers, which serve as a preparatory service and can be regarded as retraining to a certain extent.
However, a job as a vocational school teacher sometimes beckons even without studying or retraining. Due to the acute shortage of teachers, highly qualified specialists can teach as part-time teachers at vocational colleges. Parallel to their jobs in the private sector, professionals can pass on their extensive knowledge to the next generation of professionals in the industry. Making an important contribution to the qualification of trainees. In this way, the states are responding to the current shortage situation in vocational schools. Still want to ensure the best possible teaching provision. This opens up completely new perspectives for specialists in sought-after fields.
Where can career changers find job offers as vocational school teachers??
After you have completed a retraining course to become a vocational school teacher or are about to complete the measure, the question naturally arises as to where you can find suitable jobs.
It is not very effective to approach all the vocational schools in the area, and it also requires a great deal of time and effort.
Since most vocational schools are state-run anyway, the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs or the Ministry of Education of the state in question is the right place to go. The public vocational schools are also subject to this, so that it has an overview of all vacancies.
If you are considering a private educational institution as an employer, you will have to ask the institutions or at least search some online job exchanges.
Becoming a civil servant as a vocational school teacher
Regardless of whether one has chosen the classical path of teacher training or belongs to the side entrants, many vocational school teachers strive for civil servant status.
By the Verbeamtung a special supply is allotted to one on the part of the state, finally one dedicates its manpower to the civil service. Teachers, in particular, perform an important function by providing adequate education.
The tenure of vocational school teachers is therefore by no means unusual and provides security and the ability to plan, because they do not have to fear losing their job and, among other things, can enjoy a pension in their old age.
While for some time teachers could not easily obtain civil servant status, a change is currently taking place. Due to the acute shortage of teachers, even in vocational education, the state is creating incentives. Holds out the prospect of tenure to vocational school teachers.
In general, however, the following aspects are important:
– health suitability – impeccable certificate of good conduct – pedagogical and professional suitability – age at the beginning of service
Depending on the federal state, different standards may apply in this context, which is why a differentiation must be made here. In principle, a probationary appointment is made at first. After two to three years as a vocational school teacher, you can become a civil servant for life.
Attention! Two tips from the editorial team
In view of the acute shortage of teachers, retraining to become a vocational school teacher seems child's play at first; after all, there are now a number of programs for lateral entry into the teaching profession.
Aspiring vocational teachers, however, also have to overcome a number of hurdles and would therefore do well to consider the following tips from our editorial team. This makes it at least a little easier for them to enter the profession from the side.
Create the basis for a positive start in the teaching staff!
The teaching staff at vocational schools is no longer made up solely of graduates from the relevant teaching degree programs. Career changers are becoming more and more common here and have the great advantage that they come from professional practice.
Of course, after retraining as a vocational school teacher, one must not question the competence of the other teachers. At the same time, one must not doubt one's own suitability, because after an appropriate measure one is a fully-fledged vocational school teacher.
A positive start in the teaching profession can therefore be a real challenge.
Do not underestimate the workload as a vocational school teacher!
It is not uncommon for people to consider a career as a vocational school teacher because it is so easy to change jobs and have much more vacation time and free time. However, this is a misconception, because a teacher's work time is not limited to teaching.