In Germany, you have a great opportunity of dual education. You learn a profession in a company, and at the same time, you learn the theoretical and vocational foundation in a vocational school. The practice in the company provides you with valuable work experience. Since the training content is the same in every apprenticeship, it is recognised everywhere - regardless of the training company. This makes it easier to change jobs in the future. After training, you can acquire titles such as Fachwirt (business administrator), Meister (master craftsman), or Techniker (technician) through further training. However, in many companies and in the public sector there is a glass ceiling: attractive management positions are either impossible or exceedingly difficult to obtain without a degree. Formal education also pays off in salary negotiations, both for positions that are still within the range of collective agreements and for non-tariff positions. So pursuing an additional degree can be a very wise investment for your entire career path. The combination that an apprenticeship offers also has the advantage that you get familiar with both the strategic thinking of management and the operational situation in the workforce.