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Increase in Craft Apprenticeship Contracts
The number of apprenticeship contracts in Germany’s craft sector rose again in 2025, signaling a positive trend for vocational training in this field. A report from Handwerk BW notes that newly signed contracts increased by 3.2 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 18,847 agreements in total. Women’s apprenticeship contracts led this rise with a 6.3 percent increase to 3,810 contracts. Key crafts such as the construction and finishing trades saw notable growth, with a 6.8 percent rise to 3,677 contracts, while the food trade sector also recorded a significant jump of 15.6 percent in apprenticeship agreements [Source 1].
Similarly, data shows a continuing upward trend since 2023, with the number of new craft apprenticeships increasing year-on-year. For example, in 2023, the number of new craft apprenticeships reached approximately 129,800, up 1.9 percent from 2022 [Source 3]. This steady growth counters the general decline observed in many other vocational sectors.
What This Means for Expats and Foreign Workers
For expatriates, international students, and foreign workers living in Germany, the rise in craft apprenticeship contracts presents improved opportunities to enter the German vocational training system, which combines practical work experience with formal education. As the craft sector offers diverse career paths—from construction to food and metalworks—those eligible for apprenticeship programs can benefit from Germany’s strong dual education system.
Practical implications include an increased number of available apprenticeship openings, which could translate to shorter job searches and better access to skilled training positions. It is important for interested expats to verify their eligibility for apprenticeship programs, understand German language requirements, and register for these contracts within the relevant deadlines of each year’s recruitment cycle.
Apprentices in the craft sector typically sign contracts annually and, upon successful completion, gain recognized qualifications with strong prospects for long-term employment. The rise in women’s apprenticeship contracts also highlights a progressive shift that may encourage more female expats to consider career training in traditionally male-dominated sectors [Source 1].
Context and Current Trends in German Craft Training
Despite some continuing challenges in the education and labor market, the craft sector remains a bright spot. Handwerkspräsident Dittrich described the increase in apprenticeship contracts as a “ray of hope,” attributing the growth to factors such as competitive wages, attractive career opportunities, and increased promotion of vocational education. Other sectors, including food and textile crafts, showed important gains reflecting renewed interest among young people and new entrants [Source 1].
This trend aligns with regional reports like the one from the Pfalz region, where apprenticeship contracts in crafts rose by 3.9 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, confirming a broader national pattern [Source 5]. Summer months continue to offer chances for last-minute apprenticeship contract closures, adding flexibility for late decision-makers [Source 6].
Overall, while the wider apprenticeship market experiences some pressure, the craft sector’s ongoing growth provides practical pathways for vocational qualification in Germany, relevant to expats seeking to integrate into the labor market via hands-on training [Source 2].
For more details, readers can consult the original German report here: Zahl der Ausbildungsverträge im Handwerk gestiegen [Source 1].
