Bavarian apprentices start their training in September

On September 1, Bavarian apprentices began their vocational training. Apprenticeships remain one of the most common and trusted pathways by which young people enter the German labor market.

Vocational training and education in Germany

During an apprenticeship, individuals acquire the specific skills and knowledge required for a given occupation. German apprenticeships combine theoretical instruction and practical training. Apprentices develop valuable competencies through on-the-job training at a company while continuing to receive instruction at vocational schools. By combining school and hands-on training, apprenticeships give young people the opportunity to continue their education while earning a wage and bridge the gap between school and the labor market. Because apprenticeships follow occupation-specific and nationally recognized standards, graduates have comparable skills and can move on to work for other employers or in other parts of the country.

Apprenticeships benefit employers

Apprenticeship programs offer employers more than a contribution to skills development. They are a reliable means of securing a steady supply of qualified talent over the long term. A substantial share of apprentices transitions directly into regular employment at the company where they completed their training. In 2026, about 90 percent of apprentices in Bavaria's metalworking and electrical industries remained with the company where they trained after finishing their apprenticeship. Investing in apprenticeships, therefore, is not only commitment to the next generation of skilled workers, but also a strategic measure to strengthen a company's competitiveness.

From Germany to the world

The German apprenticeship model is an efficient means of workforce development and has been shown to reduce youth unemployment because it helps young people transition from school into the labor market. This is why the German model has attracted international attention and has been adopted in other countries.