Weekly Proceedings in the German Parliament (Bundestag)
In Germany, the vocational training market continues to play a significant role in workforce development, blending classroom and workplace learning. However, experts call for increased investment in vocational training and apprenticeships to meet the demands of the digital and green transition, as well as to address labor market needs [1][2][5].
Mismatch Between Training Supply and Demand
Recent figures on the number of training applicants versus available apprenticeship places were not provided. Nevertheless, the current state of the vocational training market in 2025 shows a slight mismatch between the supply and demand of training positions, accompanied by a considerable proportion of young adults without vocational qualifications [3].
Young Adults Without Vocational Qualifications
Approximately 2.86 million young adults aged 20 to 34, or 19.1% of this age group, lacked vocational qualifications in 2022. This group faces significant labor market disadvantages, including a higher unemployment rate of 19.8%, increased risk of long-term unemployment, and greater reliance on social benefits [3].
Demographic Differences
Among those without vocational qualifications, foreign nationals are disproportionately represented, with a rate about three times higher (38.1%) than German nationals (11.7%). This is linked to differences in education systems internationally and immigration patterns [3].
Labor Market Context
The overall German job market in 2025 is characterized by employment stagnation and rising unemployment (3.8% unemployment rate in May 2025), with a reduction in job vacancies and calls for enhancements in vocational and digital skills training to address these challenges [1].
Energy Efficiency Measures
On the energy front, the German government is introducing the Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) to reduce the country's total energy consumption for the first time. Companies with high energy consumption will be required to introduce energy or environmental management systems and document their energy-saving measures [4].
Posted Worker Directive
The EU has taken measures to better enforce the rights of posted drivers, with the 2020 entry into force of the Road Transport Directive [6]. Lorry or bus drivers employed in other EU countries who transport goods or passengers through or within Germany are subject to the posted worker directive.
Pharmaceutical Supply Security
To address drug shortages, the German government has initiated the Draft of the Pharmaceutical Supply Security and Improvement Act (PSSIA) [7].
Sources
[1] Bundesagentur für Arbeit [2] Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [3] Statistisches Bundesamt [4] Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz [5] Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales [6] Europäische Kommission [7] Bundesministerium für Gesundheit
- Despite the significant role of vocational training and apprenticeships in politics, general news, and education-and-self-development, the current state of the vocational training market in 2025 shows a slight mismatch between the supply and demand of training positions, which could adversely affect labor market needs.
- In light of the energy-saving measures implemented by the German government, education-and-self-development, politics, and general news should emphasize the importance of investing in vocational training and apprenticeships in digital and green transition sectors to produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting the energy-efficient standards.
){kind=link}