Information for Trainees
Why Professional Training in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is one of the leading financial, trading, and logistics centres in Asia and the world. The Special Administrative Region with a population of 7.5 million is not only considered an important link between China and the global market, but also a launching pad for international companies venturing into emerging markets across Southeast Asia. With a professional education in Hong Kong, graduates can improve their career opportunities, both in Germany and internationally.
How does the Professional Training Programme work?
Each year, around 30 young trainees begin their professional training in Hong Kong. The training programme takes 22 months. Like in Germany, the trainees work in a company for 3.5 days per week for practical on-the-job training and attend classes for 1.5 days for theoretical education. The professional training and examinations follow the guidelines of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).
Practice
The training companies are large international trading, transport and logistics companies, as well as industrial enterprises either based in or with representative offices in Hong Kong. The companies enter into training contracts with the trainees. The salary is HK$8,000 for the first year of the training programme and HK$9,000 for the second year. In accordance with the vocational training ordinance and training guidelines, training takes place by rotation through all relevant departments of the company. The business language at the training companies is English.
Theory
The subjects taught at the German Business Faculty include: General Economics; Accounting; Business Administration; Organization; Data processing; Conversational German; Conversational English; Mathematics; and Politics. The professional training teacher and Head of the German Business Faculty is delegated to Hong Kong by the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen, ZfA). The school fees are HK$46,000 p.a. as of the academic year 2024-25.
Which companies are participating?
Training Companies 2024-2025
Digitalisation Management Assistant
- 1291 Group Asia Ltd.
- BASF East Asia Regional Headquarters Ltd.
- Covestro (Hong Kong) Ltd.
- DZ Bank AG Hong Kong Branch
- German Industry and Commerce Ltd.
- METRO Sourcing International Ltd.
- NVD Asia Logistics Hong Kong Ltd.
- Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Hong Kong Ltd.
- Simba Dickie Toys HK Ltd.
- STARTEAM Global Limited
- Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
- TGI Technology Ltd.
Wholesale & Foreign Trade Management Assistant
- Azur Consult Ltd.
- DIYtrade Far East Ltd.
- Eurogroup Far East Ltd.
- Freudenberg & Vilene International Ltd.
- Giesecke & Devrient Asia Pacific Ltd.
- HORNBACH Asia Limited
- M-Tek Ltd.
- MCL Brands Ltd.
- METRO Sourcing International Ltd.
- OBI Group Sourcing Hong Kong Ltd.
- REWE Far East Ltd.
- Schwarz Asia Pacific Sourcing Ltd.
- Simba Dickie Toys HK Ltd.
- STARTEAM Global Ltd.
- StichD Asia Pacific Ltd.
- Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.
- TGI Technology Ltd.
- Threesixty Sourcing Hong Kong Ltd.
- TÜV Süd Hong Kong Ltd.
Transport & Logistics Management Assistant
- a.hartrodt Hong Kong Ltd.
- a.hartrodt Solutions Hong Kong Ltd.
- Air Sea Broker Ltd.
- ALDI Services Asia Ltd.
- DACHSER Hong Kong Ltd.
- Gebrüder Weiss Hong Kong Ltd.
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics Ltd.
- NVD Asia Logistics Hong Kong Ltd.
- Relosmart Ltd.
- ZAMA Corporation Ltd.
How to apply?
To apply for the Dual Professional Training Programme, please submit the completed application form together with your CV in English (one page), your Abitur ceritificate (or equivalent) as well as other relevant certificates to klingenberg.ursula@hongkong.ahk.de. If you have not yet completed your Abitur (or equivalent) please provide your three most recent certificates.
Applicants need to be fluent in German and have a good command of English. The minimum school qualification requirement is the German Fachhochschulreife (or equivalent qualification).
You can find the application form below.
Application deadline for apprenticeship start in September 2025: 28.02.2025
Application Form 2025
Information for Companies
What are the benefits of the Dual Professional Training Programme?
Is your company having difficulties finding qualified junior employees with the desired professional and language skills as well as work habits to match your requirements in Hong Kong? – The solution is fairly simple: Train your own.
Trainees participating in the Dual Professional Training Programme are highly motivated young talents with diverse language skills, who are keen on gaining experience abroad and ready to take on the challenges of living and working in Hong Kong.
Over the course of 22 months, trainees will take on different duties in every department of your company, thus gaining a comprehensive understanding of your business in all its facets, while at the same time receiving the theoretical training and expertise to become well-rounded Management Assistants in one of three sectors: Wholesale & Foreign Trade; Transport and Logistics; or Digitalisation.
The Dual Professional Training Programme allows you to develop your potential future employees according to your company's specific talent needs.
How is the Programme structured?
Practical Training
During the 22-month training period, trainees should rotate through all major operational and administrative departments of your company, in order to gain insights into all relevant procedures and commercial operations. Training companies are required to design a training schedule and appoint a designated trainer or mentor within the company to oversee the entire training process.
GIC recruits and pre-selects applicants/trainees and provides training companies with profiles of qualified candidates to select from. GIC also issues training contracts and supporting documents for visa application, provides support for the preparation of training schedules, and supports training companies throughout the entire training period.
Theoretical Training
Theoretical training is provided by Kaplan Business and Accountancy School at the German Business Faculty, which is headed by a fully qualified training school teacher, appointed and funded by the German Federal Administration Office (Bundesverwaltungsamt). KBAS conducts all classes and examinations, and keeps in close contact with the training companies.
The training is conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany with regards to professional training as well as general provisions for the curriculum (Rahmenlehrplan), but has been adapted to the specific requirements of the local environment and contains special additional content.
How can companies join the Programme?
For further information on the Dual Professional Training Programme and how to join as a training company, please contact Ursula Klingenberg at klingenberg.ursula@hongkong.ahk.de or +852 2532 1285.
