The number of newly concluded apprenticeship contracts in Germany fell by 2.8% in 2025, representing a decrease of 13,100 contracts to a total of 461,900. This was released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) following its final results on Thursday, noting that in 2024 the decline had already been 1.0%.
Overall, the number of German apprentices dropped by 6% (25,600), while the number of apprentices without German citizenship increased significantly by 18% (12,400). As of December 31, 2025, a total of 1,211,800 individuals nationwide were engaged in dual vocational education, which was 6,100 fewer than the previous year.
Sectorally, apprenticeships in Industry and Trade made up the largest segment, accounting for 676,600 participants (56%). This was followed by Crafts, with 345,700 students (29%). Liberal professions represented 112,900 apprentices (9%), while the public service employed 42,100 students (3%). Agriculture comprised 31,400 individuals (2.6%), and Home Economics had the smallest share at 3,200 (0.3%).
Foreign nationals commencing dual vocational education in 2025 registered an 18% increase compared to 2024. Notable surges were seen among those with Ukrainian (+64% to 9,500) and Vietnamese (+36% to 9,600) citizenship. Furthermore, groups with Turkish or Afghan citizenship also reported growth, at +48% and +47% respectively.
This trend shows a clear long-term increase for non-German citizens in the labor market; over the last decade, the number of new contracts held by foreign nationals has more than doubled. In 2015, approximately 38,800 contracts were reported for non-German citizens, compared to 82,400 in 2025.
In fields such as public service, agriculture, or home economics, foreigners constitute a smaller proportion of apprentices. Collectively, these three sectors accounted for only 1.5% (1,200) of all foreign apprentices but represented roughly 7% (27,000) of German apprentices. In contrast, the liberal professions attracted a significantly higher share of foreigners (17% or 14,300) compared to German apprentices (8% or 30,500).
Regarding specific professions, Motor Vehicle Mechatronics remained the most common apprenticeship for men in 2025, accounting for 8% of new contracts (22,300 individuals). Among female apprentices, this career was ranked 27th, with about 1,500 women starting the specialization. Most frequently, women chose training as a Medical Assistant (10% or 16,100), followed by Office Management Clerk (9% or 14,900), and thirdly, Dental Assistant (8% or 13,400).
For men, the most popular contracts were held by Plant Mechanic for Sanitation, Heating, and Climate Technology (13,900, or 5% of contracts, ranked 2nd) and Electrician (13,800, or 5% of contracts, ranked 3rd). The ranking of the top three professions for women remained unchanged from the previous year. A notable shift among male apprentices was the decline of IT Specialist (Fachinformatiker), which dropped from 2nd place in 2024 to 4th place in 2025 (-2,300 contracts). This movement allowed Plant Mechanic to rise to second place (+100 contracts).
