School - and then?

Vocational orientation for school pupils in NRW

Text last updated: 2024-05-15

Help with career guidance for pupils

With so many apprenticeships to choose from, it is often not easy for young people to make a decision about their future career. Which path leads to their dream job and what are the possible alternatives? Fortunately, pupils in North Rhine-Westphalia are not left to their own devices when it comes to making a decision. They are systematically supported in all matters and questions relating to career choices from Year 8 and 9 onwards - for example through the NRW career entry support service and the state-wide transition system "No graduation without a connection" (KAOA). You can find out what this involves here.

There are many good reasons for training

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There are currently 324 recognized training occupations in Germany in these areas: Industry, skilled trades, public service, home economics, agriculture, maritime shipping and in the liberal professions. But which profession and which sector is the right one? This question already arises during the school years. Parents are a good source of advice in the career choice process, as they know their child best. In addition, many school and digital offers help with career guidance. Pupils should also take the opportunity to talk to a careers advisor about their personal options and paths to their dream job. Young people can arrange a free consultation at their local employment agency.

Other points of contact are the chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of skilled trades, where young people can also obtain valuable advice and detailed information.

A good way to actively and informally find out about training opportunities is to visit a training or job fair. Companies and businesses in the region present themselves there and showcase their offers. The fairs offer a good opportunity to get to know training companies at close quarters. HR managers are often on the stand together with trainees, who provide authentic insights into the practical side of things and answer all questions in detail. Pupils get a personal impression of potential employers and can make initial contacts.

Free presentations and coaching for applications and job interviews round off the program.

Career entry support NRW

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At many schools in North Rhine-Westphalia, career entry support provides individual start-up assistance for the transition from school to work. The support instrument is aimed specifically at pupils who are aiming for an apprenticeship with a lower secondary or special school leaving certificate and need special help along the way.

The support starts as early as the pre-entry class, helps with the school-leaving certificate and provides support during the first few months of training. During this time, the career entry mentors are on hand to help with career guidance and decision-making, arrange internships, help young people with job applications and overcome personal challenges.

The support is individual and available for up to 36 months: 18 months during the school years and up to 18 months after graduation. Participation is free of charge. Young people can ask their teacher whether their school participates in the NRW career entry support program. Information can also be obtained from the employment agency.

On the website of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs NRW you will find a detailed description of the funding instrument "career entry support" as well as an FAQ with answers to the most frequently asked questions.

KAOA - No graduation without a connection

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The state-wide transition system supports young people from year 8 onwards in choosing a career.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, young people from Year 8 onwards receive targeted help in choosing a career. The state-wide transition system KAoA - Kein Abschluss ohne Anschluss - supports all pupils in North Rhine-Westphalia with early career guidance.

The school-supported process ensures that everyone is given prospects for vocational training or a course of study at an early stage. All public secondary schools in NRW take part in the state initiative.

What is the Career Choice Passport 4.0?

The digital career choice passport 4.0 helps pupils to take responsibility for their own career choices. The online tool offers the opportunity for information and documentation as well as for planning and organizing personal career orientation. A digital version of the NRW career choice passport is already available. In 2022, the career choice passport was published as an app. The NRW Ministry of Employment provides further information on this website.

Where can we find help and advice?


There are numerous online platforms on the internet where parents and children can get an initial overview of career choices. Here on Familienportal.NRW, we have put together an overview of recommended portals that can be used to develop career prospects.

The local employment agencies offer expert career guidance. An appointment should be made in good time. A contact form is available on this website of the employment agency.

The advice centers of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and the Chambers of Crafts in the region also provide expert advice and know exactly which training companies have vacancies. The chambers are partners of the companies and can answer all questions about training. Use the IHK finder to go directly to your local IHK. Use the Chamber of Crafts search engine to find the relevant Chamber of Crafts in your region.

The education portal of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia provides comprehensive information on the objectives of the state initiative "Kein Abschluss ohne Anschluss (KAoA)". The explanatory films provide information about the KAoA components in various languages. Click here to download the videos in German, Arabic, English, Farsi, Polish, Serbian and Turkish:

Brochures Download

A flyer provides comprehensive information on the topic of career entry support in NRW. The publication can be downloaded from the NRW Ministry of Labor's brochure service.

"How much is the training allowance?" A publication by the Ministry of Labor provides information on earning potential, weekly working hours, vacation entitlement and other collectively agreed benefits in a total of 115 sectors.