Vocational training in agriculture and forestry
 

An apprenticeship provides training in an agricultural or forestry occupation. In addition to future self-employed farmers and foresters who take over their parents’ farms, some apprenticeship occupations, such as horticulture and equine management, predominantly attract apprentices from non-farming backgrounds.

The list of occupations currently comprises 16 agricultural and forestry apprenticeship occupations. The latest amendment to the Agricultural and Forestry Vocational Training Act added professional hunting as a recognised apprenticeship occupation, leading to qualification as a skilled worker in professional hunting.

List of the 16 Agricultural and Forestry Apprenticeship Occupations

Skilled Worker and Master Craftsman Qualifications

• Agriculture

• Rural Farm and Household Management

• Horticulture

• Field Vegetable Production

• Fruit Growing and Fruit Processing

• Viticulture and Cellar Management

• Dairy and Cheese Production

• Equine Management

• Fisheries

• Poultry Farming

• Beekeeping

• Forestry

• Forest Nursery and Forest Maintenance Management

• Agricultural Storage Management

• Biomass Production and Agricultural and Forestry Bioenergy Generation

• Professional Hunting

Completion, Authorisations and Opportunities

The apprenticeship concludes with the skilled worker examination, which provides the following authorisations and recognition:

• Admission to master craftsman training

• Admission to the vocational matriculation examination

• Eligibility for various agricultural subsidies

• Reduction of the training period for a further apprenticeship occupation (in agriculture and forestry or in the commercial sector) by at least one year.

For certain combinations, additional credits may be granted depending on the extent to which the training content overlaps.

- Minimum professional qualification required for recognition as an approved training company

The skilled worker qualification can also be obtained through other educational pathways.

Duration and Organisation

An apprenticeship is a practice-oriented form of training that takes place at two learning locations: the training company and the vocational school (the “dual training system”).

• Standard training period: three years

• Reduced training period: possible where previous training periods can be credited

• Duration of a follow-on apprenticeship: one to two years for individuals who have already completed training in another agricultural or forestry occupation.

In-Company Training

Objective: Practical and theoretical vocational training.

Training is based on an apprenticeship contract between the company and the apprentice.

• Official recognition of the company as an approved training establishment is required.

• Apprenticeship trainers and those responsible for training must be personally, professionally and pedagogically qualified.

An apprenticeship can also be completed on the parents’ farm, provided the above requirements are met.

Vocational School

Objective: Basic vocational training, general education and the establishment of a foundation for further education.

Attendance at vocational school is compulsory for all apprentices (compulsory vocational school attendance).