German skilled trades see rise in apprenticeship contracts

The German skilled trades sector is experiencing a rise in apprenticeship numbers, contrasting with broader economic trends. According to Jörg Dittrich, President of the Central Association of German Crafts, new apprenticeship contracts rose by 4.9 percent between January and June 2026 compared to the previous year, reaching nearly 67,800. This growth is attributed to the perceived stability of trades in the face of industrial crises and the influence of AI, which drives young people toward manual expertise.

Despite this upward trend in the sector, significant gaps remain in various regions. The trade union IG BAU reports that many young people under 25 without professional qualifications remain unemployed. In several districts, such as Kyffhäuserkreis, Hannover, and Kaiserslautern, a high percentage of unemployed youth lack formal vocational training.

IG BAU is actively encouraging these individuals to seek out remaining apprenticeship openings, noting that many companies continue to hire into October. The union emphasizes that vocational training provides more secure and better-paying career paths. They recommend utilizing resources like the Youth Career Agency (JBA) and the Federal Employment Agency for guidance.