Final push in the apprenticeship market: make the most of matching opportunities now
On the latest developments in the apprenticeship market, Employers’ President Dr Dulger states:
Final push in the apprenticeship market: make the most of matching opportunities now
Berlin, 30 October 2026. “A good vocational education and training programme is the best foundation for professional success and an independent life. But the apprenticeship market has a mismatch problem. The results for the 2025/2026 placement year show that there are many apprenticeship vacancies. Nevertheless, opportunities are still being missed on both sides. We need to do an even better job of bringing young people and companies together.
Anyone who wants to get more young people into apprenticeships needs to introduce them to companies at an earlier stage. For seven out of ten companies, work placements are the best way to attract young talent to apprenticeships. This is also shown by the latest Employers’ Barometer. Schools and companies therefore need to work even more closely together, for example through the SCHULEWIRTSCHAFT network. Careers guidance must start early and take place regularly.
The state has a responsibility to ensure that no young person leaves school without adequate reading, writing and numeracy skills. At present, too much potential is already being lost at school. One in two companies sees serious gaps in applicants’ basic skills. Support instruments such as Assisted Training and Entry-Level Qualification programmes need to be better known and used consistently.
Now every single apprenticeship contract counts. Matching during the final placement phase will determine whether opportunities become real prospects. Apprenticeship contracts can still be concluded until the end of December and beyond. Employment agencies, schools, chambers, associations and policymakers must act together.
Personally, I can only recommend an apprenticeship to every young person as a foundation for their future.”
Employers’ Barometer results: BDA-Arbeitgeberbarometer June 2026
