The German apprenticeship shortage in a thriving job market
In Germany, the dual vocational training combines practical learning in a company with theoretical classes in a specialized school. It’s a highly valued system that lasts between two and three years depending on the profession, and ensures the majority of graduates a stable job. The apprentices – called Azubis – receive a salary from day one, starting at a minimum of 682 euros per month in the first year, with many companies offering additional benefits like paid vacation, bonuses, flexible hours, or even gym subsidies to make these positions more attractive compared to university studies or unskilled jobs.
Vacancies without candidates and the arrival of foreign apprentices
However, the trend has reversed. Two decades ago, there were more applicants than available positions; now it’s the opposite. In 2024, there were over 519,000 vacancies compared to only 432,000 candidates. Forecasts indicate that in 2025 there will be even more left unfilled. The gap is starting to be filled by foreign applicants, with their numbers doubling in a decade to reach 70,000, mainly from Vietnam, Syria, and Ukraine. At the same time, German Chambers of Industry and Commerce have over 170,000 job offers open for upcoming courses, reflecting both the need and the lack of local applicants.
The shortage of apprentices is not only due to a demographic decline. Many companies complain that young people finishing secondary education are not adequately prepared. 44% of surveyed companies note deficiencies in written and oral German expression, while a similar percentage points out serious deficiencies in basic mathematics. Additionally, it’s not just about knowledge. Almost half of the companies perceive difficulties in concentration, willingness to make an effort, and resilience. After the pandemic, there is also a noticeable lack of adaptation to hierarchical work environments, a problem stemming from years of digital and social isolation.
Three million young people without a professional qualification
The German Confederation of Trade Unions has quantified this crisis: nearly three million people between 20 and 35 years old lack any professional qualification, exposing them to low wages. Among them, migrants are overrepresented, and in terms of gender, men are the majority. This situation is compounded by an alarming increase in the dropout rate from training: 30% of apprentices leave their studies before completing them, the highest figure in three decades. According to the unions, this is largely due to a lack of financial support and the difficulty of affording accommodation in major cities.
The German dual training system, a global benchmark for decades, is at a crucial point. While companies demand more support – from specific residences to better salary conditions – unions warn that the lack of qualifications threatens the country’s long-term competitiveness. Germany needs not only more young people of training age but also to ensure they arrive with the basic preparation to face a rapidly changing job market. The challenge is enormous, and the clock is ticking against them.
