Training: Increasing numbers of apprenticeships in the skilled trades

The number of training courses in the skilled trades is increasing, contrary to the trend in the overall economy. Crafts President Jörg Dittrich spoke of a ray of hope in an overall difficult situation. “We are heading for the fourth year in a row with increasing numbers of new contracts,” said Dittrich to the German Press Agency. Between January and June 2026, almost 67,800 new training contracts have already been entered into the apprentice roles – over 3,160 contracts or 4.9 percent more than in the same period last year.

“The last time we had such a high value was in June 2018. This is an emphatic message: young people are consciously choosing the craft.” Although the training year begins at the beginning of August in many federal states, it is still possible to start training well into the autumn. “Trainees are currently still being sought for 20,460 open training positions via the Chamber of Crafts apprenticeship exchanges alone.”

Against the trend

In some chamber districts there are even double-digit increases. Crafts offer safe and good jobs, said the President of the Central Association of German Crafts. “One example is a master electrician from Stuttgart with a company of 130 employees. For years he had difficulty filling his three or four apprenticeship positions in the automotive industry. Now he has 90 applications.” The background is that many industrial sectors are in crisis.

Dittrich gave several reasons for the increasing number of apprenticeships in the skilled trades. «First: AI. Young people realize that the skilled trades offer a real alternative if they want a secure job.”

Secondly, the crafts image campaign and advertising efforts have obviously reached society. Thirdly, earning and career opportunities in the skilled trades have improved. “And fourthly: parts of the industry have massively reduced the number of their training positions due to the global market situation.”

More money for educational centers

Dittrich demanded that the responsibility of the trades in training must be recognized accordingly. The equivalence of academic and vocational training must finally be enshrined in law. “And it must be made clear by the financial resources.” The educational centers are in significant need of renovation.

“This must not only be named, but must also be financially backed. We cannot send young people to educational centers who are 30, 40 or 50 years old and urgently need to be modernized,” said Dittrich. “This renovation backlog must be taken just as seriously as with dilapidated bridges. The educational centers need to be renovated and there is currently no funding for this.”

Dittrich opposed cuts. The “tailor-made staffing and welcome guides” program should expire at the end of 2027. Regional networks that have developed over the years should not be put at risk.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:260719-930-406153/1