German Craft Apprenticeship Surge Highlights Skilled‑Labor Shortage

In Mecklenburg‑Vorpommern the Handwerkskammern reported 972 new craft apprenticeship contracts signed before the summer holidays, an 11.2 % rise over the previous year. The automotive trade led with 253 trainees, while the sanitary‑heating‑climate (SHK) sector recorded 96 new contracts.

Across Germany more than 100,000 vacancies remain in technical MINT‑related craft occupations such as SHK, electrical work and metalworking. The Handwerkskammer Region Stuttgart warned that the shortage threatens the energy transition, building‑sector digitalisation and climate targets. Despite strong career prospects, many positions stay empty and female participation remains low, with only seven SHK contracts awarded to women in Stuttgart in 2025.