Training
"Extend? You have to finish in the normal time."
You were ill for a long time or are falling behind and want more time.
§ 8 Abs. 2 BBiG / § 21 Abs. 3 BBiG
It depends …
On your application the chamber can extend it — the company is only consulted.
In exceptional cases the chamber extends the training period on your application if this is necessary to reach the training goal (§ 8 (2) BBiG). Typical reasons are long illness, pregnancy, serious shortcomings in the company's training, or learning difficulties. The company is consulted but does not have to agree. Different from this: if you fail the final exam, the training relationship is automatically extended at your request until the next retake, by at most one year (§ 21 (3) BBiG).
What the law says
§ 8 (2) BBiG – Extension
In exceptional cases the competent body can extend the training period on the trainee's application if necessary to reach the training goal. The trainers are to be heard before the decision.
§ 21 (3) BBiG – Not passed
If trainees do not pass the final exam, the training relationship is extended at their request until the next possible retake, by at most one year.
What you can do
- You apply to the chamber — early, not just before the exam.
- Document the reason (sick notes, absences, school reports).
- Talk to the company and the school before applying.
- Failed? Request the extension in writing — it then applies automatically.