In Germany, internships (Praktika) play an important role in helping young people understand the world of work. For many students, especially those with a migration or refugee background, a Praktikum is often the first direct contact with an employer. In theory, this should be a chance to learn, explore professions, and build confidence. In practice, however, many young people experience Praktika as short, poorly structured placements with little learning value.
This problem is especially visible among refugee youth, including many Ukrainians who arrived after 2022. Faced with language barriers, uncertainty about their future in Germany, and limited access to guidance, they are often placed in low-skill roles with minimal supervision. Spending one or two weeks doing repetitive tasks, without explanation or feedback, leaves young people frustrated and disconnected from the idea of long-term career planning.
A meaningful Praktikum in Germany has three key characteristics: learning, guidance, and relevance. Learning means acquiring new skills or understanding how a profession actually works. Guidance means having a clear supervisor or mentor who explains tasks and answers questions. Relevance means that the Praktikum connects to a real occupational field within the German system, such as skilled trades, healthcare, IT, administration, or logistics.
How the German Praktikum System Works
Most young people in Germany encounter Praktika through school. The Schülerpraktikum is usually mandatory in grades 9 or 10 and lasts one to three weeks. Its purpose is career orientation, not free labour. Students are meant to observe workplaces, try simple tasks, and reflect on whether a profession might suit them. However, students who are new to the German school system often receive less support in choosing placements and preparing for them.
For young people who are no longer in school, voluntary Praktika are often encouraged by Jobcenter or employment agencies. These placements can be useful, especially when they function as a trial phase before further steps such as Einstiegsqualifizierung (EQ) or a formal Ausbildung. Problems arise when Praktika are used only to “keep someone busy” instead of preparing them for the next stage.
Common Challenges for Refugee Youth
Research and field experience show that many refugee adolescents in Germany make career decisions reactively, based on immediate pressure rather than long-term planning. Language barriers, family expectations to earn money quickly, and uncertainty about staying in Germany all influence their choices. As a result, Praktika are often accepted without clear goals or understanding of how they fit into the German vocational system.
Another challenge is access to reliable information. Many young people rely on social media, messaging groups, or peers for advice, which can be incomplete or misleading. While structures such as Jugendmigrationsdienste (JMD), career counsellors at schools, and employment agencies do exist, not all young people know how to access them or feel confident using German-language services.
What Makes a Praktikum Useful
A good Praktikum should help a young person move forward. Before starting, the employer should be able to explain what the intern will do, who will supervise them, and what they are expected to learn. During the placement, young people should be encouraged to ask questions and observe different tasks, not only perform routine work. At the end, some form of feedback or confirmation of participation should be provided.
Praktika are particularly valuable when they are linked to further opportunities. In Germany, programmes such as Einstiegsqualifizierung (a paid preparatory internship lasting six to twelve months), Berufsvorbereitende Bildungsmaßnahmen (BvB), or Berufsorientierung für Zugewanderte (BOF) are designed to bridge the gap between school, Praktikum, and Ausbildung. These formats combine workplace experience with language learning and orientation, making them far more effective than short, isolated placements.
How Young People Can Improve Their Chances
Even within existing constraints, young people can take steps to make Praktika more meaningful. It helps to think in advance about what you want to learn, even if the goal is simple. Asking basic questions before accepting a placement is not rude; it shows motivation. Support from teachers, social workers, mentors, or NGOs can also make a significant difference, especially when they help advocate for placements that match a young person’s interests and abilities.
A Praktikum should result in something concrete: better understanding of a profession, improved language skills, a reference or certificate, and clearer next steps. If a placement offers none of these, it is reasonable to question whether it truly serves its purpose. In Germany’s vocational system, Praktika are meant to open doors, not close them.