Companies report 700 fewer apprenticeships - Number of applicants rises - Thuringia Apprenticeship Applications Surge, Leaving 600 Youths Unplaced
Thuringia saw a surge in apprenticeship applications this year, with 7,900 hopefuls vying for positions, a 200-person increase from the previous year. However, the rise in applicants hasn't translated to an equal increase in registered training positions, leaving around 600 young people still seeking apprenticeships as of late September.
The demand for apprenticeships outstripped supply, with 70 applicants for every 100 registered positions. Employers and applicants often found themselves at odds, with mismatched expectations leading to difficulties in finding suitable candidates. Despite this, the number of foreign applicants rose by 20 percent to 1,000, with Syrians and Ukrainians making up the majority.
Retail salesperson was the most coveted profession, followed by automotive mechatronics technician and office management assistant. Companies cited economic conditions and market uncertainties as reasons for the decline in registered apprenticeships, which dropped by 700 to around 11,500 positions from October 2024 to September 2025. Some employers have turned to targeted recruitment methods like social media and career fairs to find the right candidates.
While the increase in apprenticeship applications in Thuringia is encouraging, the decline in registered positions and mismatched expectations pose challenges. Employers and applicants must work together to bridge this gap, and innovative recruitment methods may help address the skills shortage.
