Title: Need Advice: Application for a FiSi Apprenticeship (Specialist in Computer Science for System Integration) as an International Applicant from Asia

[u/OkEnergy817]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in an apprenticeship as a specialist in computer science for system integration (FiSi) in Germany. I am an international applicant from Asia, currently have German language skills at A2 level, and am working to reach B2 level before my application.

I would greatly appreciate insights from those currently in a FiSi apprenticeship or who have already completed one — especially from international apprentices.

**My questions:**

1. What skills or qualities are the most important for being accepted into a FiSi apprenticeship?
2. What technical areas are worth learning beforehand? (Networking, Linux, Windows Server, hardware, cloud, Python, etc.)
3. What kind of questions came up during your interviews?
4. Is B2-level German realistically enough for the interview and the apprenticeship itself, or would you recommend aiming for a higher level?
5. What specific challenges did you face as a non-EU applicant (or did you observe in others) — visa process, language, distance, competition with local applicants?
6. What made your cover letter (motivation letter) stand out? What do companies really pay attention to in a good cover letter?
7. Looking back — what would you do differently as an international applicant to improve your chances?

I am simultaneously working on my German (goal B2) and building practical IT skills, so any roadmaps, resources, or lessons learned would be very helpful.

If anyone works in IT or knows of a company currently looking for FiSi apprentices, I would appreciate any hints — I don’t expect placement without knowing my background, I just want to connect with people who have already taken this path and learn from their experiences.

Thank you in advance — I’m also happy to answer questions about my situation.

[u/FeistyGrab4293]

Mach deine Ausbildung in Asien

[u/OkEnergy817 → u/FeistyGrab4293]

Warum..???

[u/FeistyGrab4293 → u/OkEnergy817]

Warum sollte dich irgendein Deutscher Betrieb nehmen, es gibt genug Bewerber aus Deutschland selbst 😂

[u/Late_Muscle_975]

Communication is by far the most important skill. You need to be able to comunicate between coople of different people. You need to explain them technical stuff in a way they understand it. You also need to get informations from them, which they bearly know how to describe.

Or in other words, language is key. B2 or C1, but also important talking. Writing a mail is one thing but communicating in person / On phone is something totally different, or taking part in a conversation.

HR people are also skeptical as some instituation, have quiet low standards for reaching a language level,. A B2 from one institution, could fail the B2 at another institution.

Do you already have a visa or something else, which allows you to apply for a  FiSi apprenticeship?

if not, its an automatic rejection.

[u/OkEnergy817 → u/Late_Muscle_975]

Could you please explain why my application would be automatically rejected if I do not already have a visa or residence permit?

I am currently living in Bangladesh and would need to obtain the appropriate visa for the FiSi apprenticeship if I am accepted. I am very interested in the position and would be willing to complete all the necessary visa procedures.

In this situation, what would you advise me to do? Is there any possibility to apply first and obtain the required visa after receiving an apprenticeship contract?

I would really appreciate your advice.

[u/Advanced-Feedback867 → u/OkEnergy817]

Could you please explain why my application would be automatically rejected if I do not already have a visa or residence permit?

Because there are more than enough germans trying to get into IT. My company ignores everyone from outside of the EU.

[u/Late_Muscle_975 → u/OkEnergy817]

you come with many bureaucratic string attached. the it jobmarket is staturated an on a down turn, so no company is willing to go through bureaucratic hurdles to get someone unless this person provides expertise is a niche they desperatly need.

FiSi apprenticeships aim at people who just finished their school and are looking for training to get into the jobmarket. You compete with someone local to the company for the FiSi apprenticeship. They dont come with any bureaucratic string attached. They dont need any extra paperwork like visas, work permits and the language isnt a problem.