Job market: School leavers are increasingly opting for skilled trades – not just out of fear of job shortages due to AI
While artificial intelligence replaces many academic jobs, young people are hoping for a career in crafts. At the same time, they are also attracted to new technologies.
The number of young people starting apprenticeships in skilled trades in Germany has been increasing for three years, with 67,800 new contracts signed in the first half of 2026, a 4.9% rise from the same period in 2025. This trend is partly attributed to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job security, with many young people opting for practical careers that are less likely to be automated.
The German Federal Institute for Vocational Education (BIBB) and the Central Association of German Crafts (ZDH) report that 346,000 young people were in qualified apprenticeships in 2025. The ZDH president, Jörg Dittrich, notes that young people are recognizing the value of skilled trades as a secure career alternative.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
