Qualification search

What kind of qualification type is it?

This qualification is a dual vocational education and training (3-year and 3½-year training course). The vocational education and training system is highly significant in Germany. Central importance in this regard is attached to training within the dual system, which facilitates access to many areas of occupational activity for which in other countries training at an institute of higher education is required. The system is described as “dual” because training is conducted at two independent training venues, the company and the vocational school. Training combines the acquisition of theoretical knowledge and practically related competences with company practice. Successful completion of training confers the right directly to exercise the occupation in question as a qualified skilled worker in a state recognised training occupation. It also leads to the subsequent opportunity to access a wide range of upgrading training.

Those completing training hold the professional skills, knowledge and competences (employability skills) necessary for the exercising of a qualified occupational activity. They are in possession of competences for the autonomous planning and processing of professional tasks assigned within a comprehensive area of learning or field of occupational activity which is subject to change.

Which learning outcomes are achieved?

• Produce and market sheep and sheep products according due consideration to trade-specific regulations and quality standards
• Assist in reproducing and rearing sheep stocks
• Feed sheep in the correct manner and determine the productive capacity of the animals
• Feed and keep sheep using farm-specific systems and methods
• Clean, disinfect and maintain sheep accommodation
• Conduct preventive health measures and care for sick sheep following veterinary instructions and according due consideration to hygiene specifications
• Select rams, conduct the insemination of ewes, provide assistance during birthing and provide care for lambs and mothers
• Shear, milk and slaughter sheep
• Conduct measures to promote and maintain the quality of wool and meat
• Keep sheepdogs for deployment with sheep herds
• Conduct nature and landscape protection measures
• Plan and document work, specify working steps, take measures to protect safety and health and safety at work, monitor and evaluate work results
• Carry out quality assurance measures
• Use communication and information technologies both internally within the company and when dealing with customers
• Use machines, devices and operating materials, make use of operating facilities
• Manage, maintain and repair machines, devices and operating facilities

Which competent authority issues the qualification certificate?

competent body for vocational education and training in agriculture

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements. Compulsory schooling of nine or ten full-time school years have to be completed. The training relationship is constituted via conclusion of a vocational education and training contract with a private sector company or comparable institution.

How is the qualification acquired?

Training takes place at a company and at a vocational school. During company-based training, trainees acquire practically related competences within a real working environment. On one or two days a week or during blocks of one to two weeks’ duration, trainees attend vocational school, where general and occupationally related contents of a theoretical nature are imparted in a way that is linked to the practical training provided at the company. Training concludes with a final examination conducted by the examination board of the competent body.

Persons who are able to demonstrate that they have been employed in an occupation or in another relevant training occupation for a period at least one and a half times as long as is prescribed for the period of initial training or who are able to produce certificates or other evidence to prove that they have acquired sufficient employability skills may also be admitted to the final examination (so-called “external examination”).

What follow-up options are there?

Following vocational education and training and an appropriate period of practical experience, persons completing the qualification have the opportunity to obtain a state-regulated upgrading training qualification.

Usually with the proviso that they have gained at least three years of occupational practice and after successful completion of an aptitude assessment procedure, they may, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on 6 March 2009, acquire a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.