Ausbildung: Steigende Ausbildungszahlen im Handwerk

Handwerkspräsident Jörg Dittrich reported a rise in apprenticeship numbers in Germany's craft sector, despite a challenging economy. Speaking to Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Dittrich highlighted this as a positive trend continuing for the fourth consecutive year. From January to June 2026, nearly 67,800 new apprenticeship contracts were registered, a 4.9% increase from the previous year.

Dittrich noted that the June figure marked the highest since 2018, emphasizing that young people are consciously choosing the craft sector. Although the apprenticeship year typically begins in August, the hiring process can continue into the autumn. Currently, open positions are sought through chamber job boards, with 20,460 apprenticeships being pursued in various regions.

Some chamber districts reported double-digit growth. Dittrich praised the craft sector for providing secure and well-paying jobs. For example, an electrician in Stuttgart, with a workforce of 130 employees, faced difficulties finding apprentices but now receives 90 applications annually. The increase in apprenticeships is attributed to several factors, including the growing appeal of the craft sector due to advances in artificial intelligence, a successful image campaign, improved earning and career prospects, and reduced apprenticeships in some industries due to global market conditions.

Dittrich called for greater recognition of the craft sector's role in education, advocating for legal recognition of apprenticeship and academic education, and increased financial support for education centers. He stressed that these centers, often outdated, require significant modernization, compared to the urgency of fixing aging infrastructure like bridges.

Dittrich warned against cuts, particularly the program "Precise Fit and Welcome Ladders," which is set to end by the end of 2027, and called for preserving existing regional networks.