FAQ - FOR TALENTS

How does the yakha traineeship work?

Intensive training, training-on-the-job, soft skills training, coaching - these are the four most important elements of the yakha traineeship. 

As soon as we have received your application documents, we will contact you and start the selection process. During this process you will go through various tests and interviews. In this way, we want to achieve the best possible fit between our trainees and our partner companies. 

During the training phase you go back to school together with other trainees. During this time, you will receive comprehensive theoretical expertise in the notified area. You take part in the training, practice on specific case studies and are given the opportunity to study on your own – alone or in group- and consolidate what you work with your new employer. 

Then it's time to put your talent into practice, try out what you've learned and meet new colleagues. You will work on projects on site at your partner company, take on increasingly independent tasks and obtain the necessary certificates that correspond exactly to your learning curve and fit your future function. You will be accompanied by experienced IT colleagues and our coaches. In addition to your technical skills, you will also work on developing your soft skills.  

After a little over a year, you will have successfully completed your traineeship and will have the chance to find a job that suits you at the partner company, a company that you already know and that offers you many opportunities for growth. 

Who can apply for a yakha traineeship?

Quick answer: anyone! 

There are no requirements for any prior technical IT knowledge, i.e., you don't need any previous experience or training in IT. However, we do have high requirements in terms of basic intrinsic skills, i.e., we look at the individual person, their strengths and their potential for development. The yakha traineeship is explicitly geared towards career changers from outside the IT field. 

Of course, it wouldn't hurt if you already had previous knowledge (e.g., through your private interest in IT) or other points of contact (e.g., with programming). For mutual success, your IT affinity, motivation and potential are much more important.  For most advertised trainee positions, however, you should have a degree or completed vocational training - regardless of the field. 

For some job openings, a few additional requirements must be met (e.g. good English skills) to cope with the reality of everyday work in the partner company. The specific requirements and prerequisites can be found in the respective job advertisement. Of course, you must be of legal age and have a residence and work permit in Germany. 

You are not sure whether you meet the requirements for a specific position? Just contact us and we will try to answer this question together. 

How long does the yakha traineeship take?

The duration of the traineeship depends on the department, the content to be learned and the requirements of the partner company. As a rule, it lasts 14 or 15 months. 
Of this, about 2 to 3 months are usually allocated to the intensive phase and 12 months to the training-on-the-job. 

How much does the traineeship at yakha cost?

For you as a trainee, the traineeship at yakha is free of charge! Yes, you have read correctly.  

Our trainees even receive a financial contribution to their living expenses during the intensive training phase! And during the training-on-the-job you will be remunerated according to the GVP collective agreement (plus industry and above-agreement bonuses, if applicable)!  Because: It is important to us that financial aspects do not prevent you from taking the courageous decision to pursue your new IT career.  

Do I earn money from yakha during the traineeship?

Clear answer: YES!  

During the intensive training we support you with a financial contribution to your living expenses.  

As soon as you start with the Training-on-the-Job at the partner company, you will receive a salary according to the GVP collective agreement plus, in many cases, extra allowances above the standard agreement.  

How high is the probability of being hired after the traineeship?
Since both our partner companies and our talents invest a lot in each other, generally both are interested in a long-term working relationship. Through training-on-the-job, people get to know and appreciate each other, so the chances of being taken on after the traineeship are very high. Our demanding selection process at the beginning has already paved the way. Of course, we cannot give any guarantees. However, the success rate is over 95%.
How is a traineeship at yakha different from IT bootcamps, coding schools, etc.?

A yakha traineeship is just more than that. During the intensive training phase, you will get to know the theoretical side of your new field of expertise. The curriculum is co-designed by our partner companies and prepares you exactly for the requirements of the practical phase at the respective partner company.  

In addition, the training is not only completely free of charge for you, but you will also receive financial support from us.  

After the intensive training, you will start a one-year training-on-the-job. You won't find that in any bootcamp as well. In the training-on-the-job, you will even be paid according to the GVP collective agreement (plus any industry and above-agreement contributions). And finally, after the training-on-the-job, you have the chance to be hired by the partner company.  

What advantages does a lateral entry into IT at yakha offer me?

A lateral entry itself offers a multitude of advantages. These include the chance for a new career, the opportunity to make better use of your own strengths and to make something your new profession that you really feel called to do - even if you previously took a completely different path.   

The traineeship at yakha focuses on the long-term win-win situation for companies and career changers. It lays the foundation for your further career in one of our great partner companies. This is exactly what we prepare you for with the intensive training tailored to the respective company and role. The integrated concept is especially important to us, because a yakha traineeship is much more than just a training: It is the ticket to your new career combined with the prospect of a secure job. 

In addition, we offer you many other great benefits, such as:  

  • The training courses are cost-free for you as a trainee.  
  • So that you can fully focus on learning, you will receive financial support in the intensive training.  
  • You get to know the practice in training-on-the-job directly at the partner company. There you will work on exciting tasks and projects and get to know your future employer.  
  • Learning together in a group, including friendly interaction and a peer-level atmosphere. 
  • Short training period by focusing on a specific area of IT. You don't have to wait long to get started in your new dream job.  
  • Training-on-the-job allows you to grow into your new role in a relaxed manner, as you will receive a fixed employment contract and remuneration according to the collective agreement (plus industry and above-agreement allowances, if applicable).  
  • Your overall development will be supported by soft skills training and individual coaching.  
How is the application process structured?

We look forward to every application from motivated and courageous prospective career changers.  
As soon as you have submitted your application to us via our application portal, the screening process begins. 
The selection process usually includes the following steps: 

  1. You apply -> We look at your application documents carefully to get a first impression of you and to check whether you meet the formal requirements.
    2. In an initial assessment, we test your basic suitability for the traineeship. You can do this remotely from your own home. Completely online.
    3. In a second assessment, we test your development potential and IT affinity. What counts here is not your existing IT knowledge, but your potential to learn and process relevant content. 
    4. In the next step, we would like to get to know you personally in a conversation (usually via video call). Be yourself; It is important to us that you are authentic - we do not look for templates! 
    5. Finally, is the introduction to the partner company. After that, the decision is made, and we start the joint traineeship
How is the application process structured?
We look forward to every application from motivated and courageous prospective career changers.
As soon as you have submitted your - as complete as possible - application to us via our application portal, the screening process begins.
The selection process usually includes the following steps:
1. You apply -> We look at your application documents carefully to get a first impression of you and to check whether you meet the formal requirements.
2. In an initial assessment, we test your basic suitability for the traineeship. You can do this remotely from your own home.
3. In a second assessment, we test your development potential and IT affinity. What counts here is not your existing IT knowledge, but your potential to learn and process relevant content.
4. In the next step, we would like to get to know you personally in a conversation (usually via video call). Be yourself; It is important to us that you are authentic - we do not look for templates!
5. Last but not least is the introduction to the partner company. After that, the decision is made and we start the joint traineeship.
How is the training structured?

The traineeship consists of a two- to three-month training phase and 12 months of training-on-the-job.  

In the training phase, the focus is on learning the theory and on initial practical assignments. Everything is done in a safe environment. You attend the training sessions, practice on practical case studies and are given room for self-study - alone or in a group - to consolidate what you have learned. We use a good mix of in-class sessions, group work and practical individual assignments - depending on the topic.  
The content of the training sessions depends on the specialist area and the requirements of the partner company.  
In addition, we provide regular, high-level soft skills training on topics such as communication and teamwork.  

For some partner companies, we also supplement these training sessions with an introduction to the company's industry (e.g., introduction to the business of insurance or logistics).  

How many trainees are there per cohort?

The number of trainees per group or cohort varies. It depends on how many trainees are being trained for a particular partner company and a particular specialist area at the same time. However, it is important to us to learn in small groups, as this achieves the best learning quality and a good exchange among the trainees.  

Do I need prior knowledge for the Digital Skills Assessment? Can I prepare for it?

You don't need any prior knowledge for the Digital Skills Assessment, and you can't prepare for it in terms of content.  

However, it is important to prepare yourself in organizational terms: Make sure you have a quiet environment and a stable Internet connection, ensure microphone quality, and install the programs we send out the day before. Technical requirement is a Windows-enabled computer (not with iOS, Android, etc.). Apart from that, you should start the assessment well rested and have fun with the tasks.  

Will I receive certifications during the traineeship?

In many specialist areas of IT, it makes sense to be able to present certifications. The SCRUM Master would be a great example of this. Since the traineeships are adapted to the requirements of our partner companies, a general answer to the question about certifications is unfortunately not that simple. We always look at when and where certifications make sense and offer real added value to all parties involved - especially you. Naturally, we then make use of these certifications.  

In addition, you always have the option of becoming independently certified in other particular areas. 

Can I complete the traineeship alongside my full-time job?
Unless otherwise stated in the job advertisement, the traineeship takes place on a full-time basis.   
It is therefore not possible to take on another full-time position alongside the traineeship.
Which company will I be working for?

The open job positions are always linked to a specific partner company. So right from the start, you consciously select the company where you want to develop your skills - and the company also very consciously selects you.  
Basically, we work with companies from different industries (e.g., technology, retail, insurance, pharmaceuticals, services, etc.) and of different sizes. We are also constantly expanding our network.  

Who do I contact if I have questions about the application or the traineeship?

If you are interested in a lateral entry into IT and would like to become a trainee (or are still thinking about it), please feel free to contact Julia at talents@yakha.de with your questions.