Vocational training: Consequence of the economic downturn: Takeover rate for trainees falls

Germany's vocational training system is facing a setback due to economic stagnation, with the take-up rate of apprentices after completing their training falling. According to the Federal Institute for Employment Research (IAB) in Nuremberg, only 75% of apprentices successfully transitioned into employment in 2025, down from the previous year's record high of 79%.

Meanwhile, the number of vacant training positions remains high, at 30%, though this is still better than previous years. IAB researcher Barbara Schwengler pointed out the paradox of a growing number of youths without apprenticeships, which suggests that the vacancy rate among training positions will remain high. Experts attribute two main issues to the declining take-up rate: lack of qualifications among applicants or apprentices moving to the wrong location.

To prevent further decline in the apprenticeship market, IAB director Bernd Fitzenberger emphasized the need for better coordination between young people and employers. Currently, the highest take-up rates are in sectors such as mining, energy and water supply, waste treatment, finance and insurance, and public administration, where 90% of apprentices were employed in 2025.

The industrial sector has a take-up rate of 77%, which is above the average but has dropped by five points in a year. Agriculture suffers from a particularly poor take-up rate at just 44%. The latest figures from the Federal Employment Agency show that 418,000 apprentices applied for positions from job agencies and centers in 2025, a 4,000 increase from July 2025.

Of these, 126,000 successfully secured apprenticeships. However, the BA statistics also indicate that there are 437,000 registered apprenticeships, 35,000 fewer than in July 2025.