Germany implements regional internship weeks for student career orientation

German states Hessen and Baden-Württemberg are conducting initiatives to provide students with practical vocational experience through dedicated internship weeks.

In Hessen, the third annual internship weeks are underway as part of the OloV strategy. More than 650 companies are participating, allowing over 2,000 registered students from the eighth grade and up to explore various sectors including crafts, industry, gastronomy, and social services. State Parliament member Birgit Heitland emphasized that these experiences are essential for young people to discover their talents and facilitate the transition from school to professional life.

In Baden-Württemberg, internship weeks are scheduled from October 12 to November 6, 2026. This program offers free day-long internships for students starting from the eighth grade, including those not currently attending school. Economic Minister Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut is promoting the initiative, which allows students to apply via a central platform without needing a CV or school grades. The program is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Education, the Federal Employment Agency, and various chambers and economic associations.