What support do German authorities offer for foreign electricians?

Skilled foreign workers are in demand, and German authorities are far stricter in evaluating qualifications and documents than is often the case in other countries. Therefore, foreign workers should be supported by their future employer. This helps to facilitate and speed up the recognition of qualifications. It is also helpful for the individual to have a contact person when further hurdles need to be overcome.

What problems arise in the recognition of professional qualifications?

In theory, the procedure for recognising professional qualifications in Germany is very well structured and easy to follow. In reality, however, things look different. Foreign professionals are unfamiliar with German authorities, and not all qualifications can be treated equally. This results in barriers for certain countries that are often difficult to overcome.

One of the most common problems involves training standards. These differ from country to country, and it is difficult to compare them with German requirements. As a result, adaptation qualifications are unavoidable for many foreign professionals, and the associated exams must also be passed.
One of the main challenges with these exams is the language barrier. It makes understanding German standards and regulations, as well as the exams themselves, more difficult.
It is also not easy to document professional experience gained abroad. Often, a format that is internationally recognised and transferable to the German labour market is missing.

What support is available from companies and chambers of commerce?

Support from companies, chambers of commerce, and various advisory services can be of great help here. They help convey an understanding of German authorities, how to describe professional experience, and what German standards and regulations say or how they are to be applied.

Support can take many forms. This includes organising internships and training courses, as well as providing scholarships and additional financial assistance.

How can language skills be tested?

Language proficiency is repeatedly a core issue in both qualification recognition and job performance. Language tests offer a good solution here. They can determine in advance whether an applicant possesses the necessary language skills. This allows them to close any gaps before they are in the middle of a recognition or application process.

This is especially important when someone must pass exams as part of an adaptation qualification and shine in a technical interview at a company. Sufficient language skills also make it easier to deal with authorities and to pass a practical work assessment when the individual is able to communicate in their work environment.

Can an internship serve as an alternative?

An internship can be helpful in many ways. It starts with improving incomplete language skills and solidifying existing expertise in the field. Internships and the experience gained through them also help in passing adaptation exams. Furthermore, they can be used by the individual as part of the recognition process and when applying to companies.

An internship can be completed with relatively few barriers and offers many advantages. In addition to the above, it also provides insights into the German labour market and an easier entry into it.

Why are there German standards in the electrical sector?

Electrical engineering is a field in which there is theoretically a high risk to the life and health of those involved, as well as to property. Therefore, this sector is heavily regulated with strict norms and regulations in Germany. These serve to ensure the safety of professionals and the systems they work on.

Foreign professionals who want to work in Germany must be familiar with German norms. Only then can they work safely in a team and with clients.

These norms and safety regulations are binding. It is not up to the professional to decide whether or not to follow them, they must be strictly observed. Failure to do so poses a danger to oneself, to others, and to property. Additionally, there is a legal risk arising from liability. Therefore, it is essential to avoid errors. These can result from ignorance or a lack of due care. It must therefore be ensured that the necessary knowledge is present and that the individual is mentally capable of working with the required diligence.

The regulations themselves do not only address the installation and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems. They also stipulate how devices and machines must be tested and how their safety can be assessed.

Why is it important for foreign professionals to be familiar with German regulations?

For foreign workers, it is essential to become familiar with German regulations in this area. Without the necessary knowledge, it is easy to violate existing rules. In addition to the real physical dangers, this also creates liability risks for the company, which can have serious consequences.

Why are German safety standards so high?

German safety standards are high for a reason. In Germany, protecting the health and lives of workers is considered particularly important. These standards ensure that neither faulty work nor insufficient system safety pose risks to workers or third parties.

Knowledge of the relevant norms means, first and foremost, compliance with applicable law. Beyond that, they serve to protect the safety of all involved.

What norms and regulations apply in Germany?

Electrical professionals must primarily comply with VDE, DGUV, and BetrSichV regulations. The VDE standards are issued by the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies. They ensure that all electrical installations and systems meet the highest safety requirements.

These include specific rules and regulations regarding maintenance, testing, and installation of electrical devices and systems. Therefore, any electrician wishing to work in Germany must understand and follow these standards in their daily work.

DGUV refers to the German Statutory Accident Insurance. It also has its own standards for workplace safety. These include rules for testing electrical devices, which may only be carried out by qualified personnel. Their goal is to prevent hazards such as electric shock, short circuits, and fires.

Finally, safety regulations for workplaces, such as the BetrSichV must also be observed. These aim to ensure employee safety and prevent or minimise health risks. This means that any work involving electricity must fully comply with relevant legal requirements and safety standards.

It is not just a question of work quality or fulfilling overly strict rules that authorities like to follow. Instead, it's really about protecting the life and health of those affected, those that are protected by these standards.