Apprenticeship opportunities remain in northern Germany

Young people in northern Germany who have not yet secured an apprenticeship contract still have opportunities to find a position, according to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Kiel.

“

For almost every talent and every interest, there are suitable professional perspectives.

Numerous companies are actively searching for motivated young talent across diverse industries, including retail, transport and logistics, metal and shipbuilding, and the hotel and catering sectors. Sebastian Grothkopp, head of the IHK's training and further education division in Lübeck, encourages applicants to explore a wide range of professions rather than fixating on a single "dream job." He recommends using internships to gain exposure to different roles and leveraging advisory services from employment agencies, chambers, and schools. Exploring positions outside one's immediate locality and directly contacting companies are also viable strategies, as many businesses welcome short-notice applications.

Grothkopp highlights careers that integrate digitalization, sustainability, and the energy transition as having significant future potential. These include roles such as IT specialists, digitalization management clerks, electrical technicians for energy and building technology, mechatronics technicians, logistics specialists, and various positions related to renewable energies and building technology. He notes that while some of these roles may be less publicly recognized than traditional commercial apprenticeships, they offer excellent career, further training, and earning opportunities.

“

We must reach the point where students are also educated about financial issues after graduation.

Approximately 6,400 young individuals in Schleswig-Holstein are beginning their apprenticeships on August 1st, with some starting later in September, suggesting further contracts are expected. However, the number of newly signed apprenticeship contracts is currently 6.2% lower than the previous year. This decline is partly attributed to the transition from the G8 to G9 school system in most high schools, which has resulted in no regular Abitur graduating class this year, thus fewer applicants. The Chamber of Crafts Lübeck also encourages young people to apply to craft businesses, as positions may still become available, and the apprenticeship start date is not strictly limited to August 1st.

“

Some of these professions are less present in the public eye than classic commercial apprenticeships, but they offer excellent career, further training, and earning opportunities.