German Crafts Sector Gains Apprentices, Calls for Cost‑Reduction Commission

In the first half of 2026 the German craft sector (Handwerk) recorded a rise of almost 68 000 new apprenticeship contracts – an increase of about 4.9 % over the same period a year earlier and the highest June figure since 2018. Handwerkspräsident Jörg Dittrich said the surge reflects young people’s perception of the sector as offering secure, well‑paid jobs, especially as artificial‑intelligence‑related job insecurity grows in industry. He credited a recent image campaign, better pay and career prospects, and a wave of cuts in industrial apprenticeship places as key drivers.

Dittrich also urged the federal government to establish a commission tasked with reducing social‑security contributions and other “labour‑cost add‑ons” that he says erode competitiveness. He warned that 73 000 craft‑sector jobs were lost in 2025 and that high wage‑addition costs undermine consumption and exports. The president called for targeted financial support to modernise training centres and to ensure that the apprenticeship boom translates into long‑term sector strength. Regional initiatives, such as intensified training programmes in Ostfriesland, were highlighted as examples of how further qualification can sustain growth.