Germany's labor market is grappling with a growing shortage of skilled workers, a challenge that costs the economy an estimated 49 billion euros annually, with a potential increase to 74 billion euros by 2027. At the heart of this issue is the transition of young people into professional life. The Bertelsmann Stiftung's recent report, "Ausbildungsperspektiven 2025" (Training Perspectives 2025), sheds light on this crucial process. The survey of 1,755 young people aged 14 to 25 provides vital insights for the future of vocational training and the labor market.
The study confirms that vocational apprenticeships remain the most popular post-school educational path in Germany. Nearly nine out of ten young people consider starting an apprenticeship after graduation, and over 40% are firmly committed to this path. This enthusiasm is especially high among students with lower educational levels, for whom apprenticeships are a clear career preference.
However, a significant portion of young people - 45% - remain undecided about their professional future. More concerning is that one in five (20%) plans to work without any formal professional qualification, a figure that rises to one in four among those with lower educational backgrounds. This trend puts individuals at a higher risk of unemployment and lower long-term earnings.
A major weakness identified by the study is career guidance. Only a third of the young people surveyed feel well-informed about their career options. Over half (51%) complain that despite the abundance of information available, it’s difficult to navigate.
The most valued formats for career orientation are internships lasting a week or more (70%), personal counseling (51%) - whether from teachers, trainers, or career counselors - and company visits (49%). This highlights a strong preference for practical experience and direct human interaction.
Several factors hinder young people from pursuing apprenticeships:
When it comes to searching, online applications dominate (80%). However, for young people with lower educational levels, services from the Federal Employment Agency (63%) and "classic" ads in newspapers or on bulletin boards (49%) remain important channels.
Successfully transitioning young people into a professional qualification is an economic and social imperative. To address these findings, several actions are essential:
By better understanding young people's perceptions and difficulties, labor market players can work together to build stronger bridges to professional qualification, ensuring a skilled workforce for Germany's future.