African Skills 4 Germany
The African Skills 4 Germany Project, brought to you by the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is offering Apprenticeship opportunities in Germany!
And the best part about it, prior German experience isn’t necessary for your application! So whether you’re fresh out of school, or just looking for work, if you are an ambitious individual then this Project is the right fit for you.
Application dates will be shared soon! Stay informed and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified as soon as they are announced.
Overview of the Project
The pilot project African Skills 4 Germany (AS4G) funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), aims to counteract the shortage of skilled workers and apprentices in Germany in the long term. In the pilot project period, running from summer 2024 to December 2026, the focus will be on the targeted recruitment of qualified skilled workers and potential apprentices from 11 African partner countries.
The AHKs and Delegations of German Industry in the following African countries are participating in the initiative: Algeria, Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia. They support the recruitment of international skilled workers or also apprentices by identifying and selecting suitable candidates, preparing them for their assignment and connecting them with interested companies in Germany. They are supported by two colleagues located in the AHK-Africa Office at DIHK in Berlin. The project is based on a strategic partnership for the recruitment of skilled workers, with the active participation of companies, chambers, and associations.
The specific measures and priorities at the 11 locations will be adapted to the respective local conditions. In South Africa, the 2025 pilot phase places an emphasis on the Skilled Trades and Crafts sector.
How to Apply:
How to Apply
When you click the “Apply Now!” button, a new email will automatically open, addressed to info@servusmzansi.com. Here you can submit your application.
Important – Do Not Change the Following:
Recipient: info@servusmzansi.com
Subject Line: AS4G Servus Mzansi Application
What You Need to Do:
Replace all text inside [square brackets] with your own details.
Example:
[Your Name] → Lisa SchmidtWrite your personal application paragraph in the space provided in the email body.
This should be a Quick Summary of your Motivation Letter.
Attach the following documents to the email:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Latest Academic Transcript
Copy of your Language Certificate
(Accepted certificates: DSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, TELC)Motivation Letter
Maximum one page
How is the project structured?
Identifying suitable candidates.
We carefully assess applicants’ qualifications, experience, and motivation to ensure a strong match with program requirements.
Two phase interview process.
Phase 1 includes an in-person or online interview to evaluate professional and personal fit. Phase 2 consists of an aptitude test to confirm skills and readiness.
Funding for German language lesson (A1-B1).
Comprehensive integration support.
Guidance begins before departure and continues throughout relocation, covering cultural orientation and administrative assistance.
Structured monitoring and evaluation.
Progress is regularly tracked through assessments and feedback to ensure candidates remain on course and receive timely support.
Matching with potential employers.
Visa application support.
What requirements do I have to fulfill?
Be a young South African (focus on unemployed youth).
Must have a Matric Certificate.
Have an interest in pursuing a career in the Skilled Trades and Crafts sector or technical skills sector.
Willingness to participate in vocational training designed to combine practical skills with classroom learning.
Motivation to live, learn, and work in Germany, with the opportunity to build a long-term career path.
2025 Occupation List
Automotive Engineering/Technology
Metal Construction
Bricklaying
Building Electrical Engineering/Technology
Civil Engineering Construction Worker
Qayiyalethu Links
Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg Alumni
“After completing my education at the Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg, I was certain that I wanted a job that was both forward-thinking and realistic, one that allowed me to work and study at the same time. This would enable me to continue learning in a disciplined setting while gaining practical work experience. I therefore decided to participate in the Ausbildung program, the African Skills 4 Germany Programme, as I believe it is the best way for me to lay a solid foundation for my future by combining theory with practice. It also allows me to focus on supporting myself, becoming more independent, and pursue career prospects in Germany, a place I have always dreamed of living.”
Why starting an Apprenticeship now is better than ever!
Germany is facing a growing shortage of skilled workers, while South Africa continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest youth unemployment rates. To bridge these gaps, the German government is actively investing in apprenticeship programs through the German Chambers Abroad (AHKs) in Africa, opening doors for young South Africans to build a future in Germany.
Germany needs you!
A severe skilled labour shortage, driven by demographic shifts and economic changes, is creating strong demand for young, qualified workers.
In 2024 exactly 69,000 Ausbildungsstellen (Apprenticeship positions) were left unfilled.
There were above-average recruitment difficulties in the IHK (Chamber of Industry and Commerce sector), in sales, in road haulage and also in industrial food and metal occupations. Around 42,000 IHK Ausbildungstellen were unfilled.
(Source: Bundesagentur für Arbeit; Bericht: Situation am Ausbildungsmarkt im Jahr 2023/24)
Opportunities for South African youth.
With youth unemployment at over 60% (ages 15–24), apprenticeships offer a way out of the cycle of joblessness and lack of opportunity.
Earn while you learn.
Apprenticeships combine hands-on training with classroom education, so you gain experience, qualifications, and a salary at the same time.
Government-backed programs.
Germany is investing directly in Africa through the AHKs, making apprenticeships more accessible for young talent from the continent.
Get to know the AHK Southern Africa.
The AHK Southern Africa serves as the official representative of German economic interests in Southern Africa. Its mission is to promote trade, investment, and sustainable partnerships between the two regions.
As part of this commitment, the AHK Southern Africa — together with the global AHK network — also champions apprenticeships as a powerful pathway for young people to build their careers. By connecting education with real-world experience, apprenticeships equip the next generation with valuable skills while addressing the talent needs of businesses in Germany and beyond. In doing so, the AHK Southern Afrika not only strengthens bilateral economic ties but also fosters opportunities for youth to thrive in a globalized world.
