Vocational training review presented at the Cabinet meeting in Saxony-Anhalt: Opportunities for apprentices in the region
In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, the number of applicants for apprenticeships has remained stable, resulting in a favourable supply-and-demand ratio for young people. This is according to recent data, which also shows that more than four out of five apprentices in the state are taken on by their training company.
One factor contributing to this high take-up rate is the state's success in retaining skilled workers. Compared to other regions, companies in Saxony-Anhalt are particularly successful in retaining their employees. This could be due to the high-quality vocational training available in the state, as evidenced by the high take-up rate by companies.
Vocational training in Saxony-Anhalt is indeed of high quality. Around 48 percent of companies in the state have a training permit, and the take-up rate by the training company was a record 83% in 2024, higher than the average in the east and nationwide.
However, the number of female applicants for apprenticeships has decreased by 53 percent since 2008/2009. Many young women do not perceive the dual vocational training system as an attractive alternative to a university or full-time school-based training.
Labour Minister Petra Grimm-Benne made a statement about apprenticeships in Saxony-Anhalt, stating that vocational training is the first choice for young people in terms of professional qualification in the state. To support young people, the state offers the career orientation programme BRAFO, which is attended by around 11,000 students annually.
The number of training places offered has decreased, but the number of applicants has remained stable. This could be due to the diverse range of industries in the state, such as manufacturing and services, which offer a variety of job positions and training opportunities.
The presence of research institutions like the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Magdeburg contributes to a strong scientific environment, which can attract businesses and increase apprenticeship opportunities in related fields.
Furthermore, funding from the Federal Government and local states can support apprenticeship programs by providing resources and financial incentives for both employers and apprentices. Local policies that encourage businesses to offer apprenticeships can significantly impact the uptake rate.
Comparing Saxony-Anhalt to other regions, areas with a diverse range of industries, such as Bavaria (e.g., automotive and technology) or North Rhine-Westphalia (e.g., manufacturing and logistics), might have different factors influencing apprenticeship rates. Areas experiencing economic growth are likely to have more opportunities for apprenticeships, which can be influenced by local policies and business investments.
Without specific data, it is challenging to pinpoint exact statistics or unique factors in Magdeburg. However, these general factors are likely influencers in any region's apprenticeship take-up rate.
- The high quality of vocational training in Saxony-Anhalt, as evidenced by the high take-up rate by companies, is a significant factor in the industry's success in retaining skilled workers.
- Despite a decreased number of female applicants for apprenticeships, vocational training in Saxony-Anhalt remains the first choice for professional qualification, according to Labour Minister Petra Grimm-Benne.
- Supporting young people in their career decisions, Saxony-Anhalt offers the career orientation programme BRAFO, which attracts around 11,000 students annually, geared towards education-and-self-development.
- The diversity of industries in Saxony-Anhalt, such as manufacturing and services, offers personal-finance security for many apprentices through various job positions and training opportunities.
