TRAIN-THE-TRAINER COURSES – Preparing Trainers for Exams and Everyday Training Practice

Anyone who trains apprentices takes responsibility – for young people, for the quality of workplace learning and for the future of the organisation.

This requires more than professional expertise. Trainers need educational knowledge, effective methods, communication skills and confidence in dealing with the situations that arise during vocational training.

My train-the-trainer courses combine structured preparation with practical examples from everyday training. Depending on the organisation and target group, the focus can be on the German AEVO trainer aptitude examination or on the practical qualification of trainers in an international context.

Preparation for the German AEVO Trainer Aptitude Examination

The German Trainer Aptitude Regulation, known as AEVO, defines the vocational and educational knowledge required by company trainers in Germany.

The course prepares participants for the trainer aptitude examination organised by the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce.

The content is structured around the four areas of the AEVO:

Assessing training requirements and planning vocational training
Preparing vocational training and contributing to the recruitment of apprentices
Conducting vocational training
Completing vocational training

Participants also receive guidance for the written and practical parts of the examination.

More Than Exam Preparation

Passing the examination is important, but good training practice begins afterwards.
The course therefore connects the formal AEVO content with realistic situations from everyday vocational training.

Participants explore how to:

plan and structure learning processes
formulate learning objectives
select appropriate training methods
explain tasks clearly
support different learning needs
motivate apprentices
give constructive feedback
handle difficult conversations and conflicts
assess learning progress
prepare apprentices for examinations
reflect on their own role as trainers

Individual Examination Briefing

The practical examination often raises new questions after the course has ended. Participants can therefore receive an individual briefing shortly before their examination. This provides an opportunity to discuss the planned presentation or practical training situation and clarify final questions.

Practical Train-the-Trainer Programmes

Not every organisation requires preparation for the German AEVO examination.
The content can also be offered as an independent train-the-trainer programme for companies, chambers, associations, educational institutions and international cooperation projects.

In this case, the programme is adapted to the relevant vocational education system, organisational objectives and responsibilities of the trainers.

Possible topics include:

the role and responsibilities of workplace trainers
planning and organising vocational training
designing effective learning processes
using practical training methods
communicating with apprentices
motivation and personal responsibility
feedback and assessment
supporting apprentices with different needs
dealing with conflicts and challenging situations
quality development in workplace learning

International Trainer Development

The German dual vocational education system attracts international interest because it combines learning in educational institutions with structured workplace training.
However, individual elements cannot simply be transferred unchanged from one country to another.

International programmes therefore combine relevant principles from German vocational education with the local educational system, workplace culture and requirements of the partner organisation.

Possible formats include:
train-the-trainer courses

short workshops and modular programmes
professional exchange programmes
pilot projects
qualification programmes for workplace instructors
consulting on training structures and trainer development
joint development of training concepts

Experience

Since 2004, I have prepared more than 2,000 participants for the German trainer aptitude examination.
My experience includes many years of work as an examiner for trainer aptitude qualifications at several German chambers as well as extensive cooperation with apprentices, trainers and workplace instructors.
In 2019, I also delivered a train-the-trainer programme in China based on principles of the German vocational education system.
This combination of examination experience, practical training knowledge and direct work with young people shapes all my courses.

Target Group

Professionals who work with apprentices or would like to take responsibility for vocational training
Future and experienced company trainers
Workplace instructors and training coordinators
Companies and institutions developing their own trainer qualification programmes
International organisations and education partners interested in workplace learning and trainer development

Delivery Formats

In-house courses for employees of one organisation
Live online courses
Face-to-face courses
Blended formats combining online and face-to-face learning
Compact workshops or modular programmes
International cooperation and development projects

Duration

Preparation for the German AEVO examination usually consists of 40 - 100 training units.
The duration of other train-the-trainer programmes depends on the objectives, content and previous experience of the participants.
The programme can be delivered as an intensive course or divided into several modules over a longer period.

Tailored to Your Organisation

The content, duration and delivery format can be adapted to your organisation, vocational education system and target group.

Interested in a Train-the-Trainer Course?

I would be pleased to discuss your objectives, target group and preferred format and prepare an individual proposal.

Email: info@holger-weber.de