Apprenticeship and career start
Are you about to finish school and are now wondering what to do next? Or are you already in training or studying and don’t feel like you’ve arrived or feel uncomfortable? No matter what stage you’re currently at and want to find out what to do next – on this page we will inform you about the training opportunities open to you in Jena.
In Jena, we offer exciting vocational training programmes and apprenticeships that are precisely tailored to your interests and talents. Discover a wide range of opportunities, find out more about exciting professions and find the perfect apprenticeship to kick-start your career!
Starting a career in Jena made easy
Jena is a good place for training, studying and your first job. Whether vocational training, bachelor’s or master’s degree: Jena offers many different apprenticeships and study programmes. Jena is internationally recognised for its excellent training in optics and photonics. There are many future-proof and fast-growing companies in Jena, especially in the digital economy, natural sciences, healthcare and technology. Many Jena companies are rooted in the city and look after young talent. They offer special training programmes and support projects in schools and beyond.
In Jena, many professions are trained in the dual system. This means that the practical training takes place in a company and the theoretical basics are learnt at a vocational school.
Many reasons for doing an apprenticeship in Jena:
- A wide range of training programmes: Jena offers numerous apprenticeships in various sectors, from technology to health and services.
- Strong economy: Jena has a dynamic economy with many companies that are regularly looking for trainees, which increases your chances of finding a good training place.
- Committed training companies: In Jena, many companies attach great importance to the training of their apprentices and offer comprehensive support and mentoring.
- Good connections: Jena is well connected in terms of transport, which makes it easier to get to the training centre, whether by public transport or in your own vehicle.
- Always something going on: Jena is a young, lively, open city with many leisure, cultural and sporting activities.
- Nature and leisure: Jena’s surroundings offer beautiful nature and numerous leisure activities, ideal for relaxing after work.
- Career opportunities: Many training companies offer good chances of being taken on after your training, allowing you to start your career straight away.
Apprenticeship occupations in Jena
The following sectors are particularly strong in Jena and are suitable for training. Click on the elements to find out more about the individual training occupations in the respective sector!
In addition to apprenticeships in these three core sectors in Jena, there are of course many other career opportunities. You can find a very good overview of the large number of training occupations in Jena and the region on the website of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Eastern Thuringia in Gera (IHK). The IHK also organises numerous career guidance events and is the point of contact for all questions relating to training.
The Chamber of Skilled Crafts for Eastern Thuringia also supports you in your career orientation with counselling, internship opportunities and an apprenticeship exchange that lists available apprenticeships in the regional skilled trades. With projects such as ‘’Crafts Day‘’ and various hands-on programmes, it also offers exciting insights into skilled crafts professions and helps you to find the right apprenticeship path.
Training companies in Jena
Jena offers trainees exciting opportunities and is home to many innovative companies. Whether in the high-tech sector, research or the skilled trades – there are employers here that are recognised throughout Germany and internationally. The city combines large corporations with numerous ‘hidden champions’ and successful medium-sized companies that focus on growth and innovation. ‘Hidden champions’ – companies that are often less well-known outside their sector, but are global leaders in their fields.
Internship in Jena
Internships are a valuable opportunity for students to gain their first insights into the world of work and gain practical experience. They offer the chance to apply theoretical knowledge, familiarise themselves with different professions and develop important skills. In an increasingly competitive professional world, internships can also offer decisive advantages when looking for a job later on. Whether in companies, social organisations or creative professions – an internship is an important step towards professional orientation and personal development.
In our job portal, you will find training companies that are open to internships. At events, you can make direct contact with companies that may offer internships.
IMPORTANT: Your internship should be fun and show you what suits your interests. Practical experience will also show you what you don’t enjoy. This is orientation.
Events
From the technology club at Ernst Abbe University to DLR’s School Lab Jena and the IHK-Schülercollege day internships, there are numerous event formats in Jena that will prepare you for an apprenticeship and give you a deeper insight into the world of training.
Vocational schools
School-based training usually takes place at a vocational school/vocational college or a college. The focus is on school-based learning content. The difference to dual training is that in school-based training, students only attend school and not a company.
At a vocational school, the theory of an apprenticeship is taught by vocational school teachers. You can also obtain a further school-leaving qualification there if you did not succeed at your school. Vocational schools also offer vocational preparation years (BVJ), which have a special focus. For example, if you are not a native German speaker, you can do a so-called BVJ-S with a focus on language. You can find out what options are available locally.
Vocational schools in Jena
- Karl-Volkmar-Stoy-schule: Jena State Vocational School Centre for Business and Administration
- SBBS: State vocational school for health and social affairs
- SBSZ: State Vocational School Centre Jena-Göschwitz
- TSA: Free Vocational School Jena
Job portal for vacant apprenticeships 2025
Here you will find many important, large and small Jena companies that offer internships, apprenticeships and much more.