Training as a home economist

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People in the kitchen

What does a housekeeper do?

Prepare food

In this profession, providing domestic care for people is much more than "cooking and cleaning something". In addition to preparing varied and healthy meals, you will also learn to manage a complete large household. In addition to working in the kitchen, this includes the service area, purchasing goods and the correct storage of food as well as demand and cost planning.

Design rooms

Furthermore, the creative design and maintenance of rooms and the living environment are part of the content of this training. In the daily organization, aspects such as efficiency, quality, hygiene and environmental protection must always be taken into account.

Off to the bed

At the University of Kassel, the focus is on rural agricultural home economics . This includes both work in the vegetable patch and, above all, the further processing of harvested produce for storage and direct marketing.

When does the training as a home economist start at the University of Kassel and where does it take place?

The apprenticeship as a housekeeper/housekeeper starts on 01.08. of a year. The practical training takes place at the Hessian State Domain Frankenhausen in Grebenstein. It is the teaching and experimental farm for ecological agricultural sciences of the University of Kassel.
Vocational school instruction takes place at the Elisabeth Knipping School in Kassel.

At the time of the start of the training, at least the secondary school leaving certificate should be available.

The working time is 40 hours per week. There are fixed working hours from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. in each case. This may vary slightly during peak periods, and weekend work is also possible. Compensation days are offered in a timely manner.

The training to become a housekeeper has a dual structure and lasts three years. As a trainee, you will work in the housekeeping department, the canteen kitchen or the seminar house, where you will gain practical experience right from the start.

The theory is taught on certain days of the week at the vocational school, the Elisabeth Knipping School in Kassel.

The specialized instruction at the vocational school is divided into several learning fields, including, for example, the learning fields "caring for groups of people" or "caring for groups of people". Business administration and hygiene standards are also covered, as are interior design and textile care - the versatility of this training occupation is hard to beat.

In addition, the subjects mathematics, German and politics/social sciences are taught. Practical lessons take place every two weeks. There, meals are prepared together in the training kitchen.

A monthly training allowance is paid in accordance with Section 8 (1) of the Collective Agreement for Trainees of the State of Hesse (TVA-H BBiG).
This currently amounts to

  • 1,126.85 EUR in the 1st year of training
  • 1,181.43 EUR in the 2nd year of training
  • 1,231.51 EUR in the 3rd year of training

A prerequisite for training as a housekeeper is a friendly nature and an interest in people. You should work carefully in every respect and at least know how to operate a vacuum cleaner and an oven. You need dexterous hands if a pair of trousers needs to be sewn, and you should also appear well-groomed so as not to be an additional risk for allergies and illnesses yourself. Your German should be so good that you can write plans and talk to people without any problems. Good math skills will help you with budgeting and cost calculations. You must be concerned about taking care of people as well as possible.

Melissa, apprentice as housekeeper at the University of Kassel in interview

What do you deal with during your training?

  • Preparing and serving meals for employees and guests
  • Laundry care
  • Helping out in the farm shop
  • Harvest helper
Portrait picture
Melissa in conversation

Why did you decide on an apprenticeship and specifically on this one?

  • so that I have even better opportunities to find a job later on
  • for a better future
  • because I liked the company right away

What would you like to pass on to the others?

  • Take your time to make the right decisions for you.

    It's never too late, even when you're in your first apprenticeship at the age of 30.

Application period

Unfortunately, the current application deadline has passed.

Ask yourself beforehand if ...

  • ironing, washing up and cooking are not a nuisance for you.
  • you have no fear of contact.
  • you like to make other people happy.

Or if ...

  • even the preparation of packet soups is too much for you.
  • you are very impatient.
  • you prefer to be served than to serve others.