The training market in 2025 is under significant pressure. The economic situation burdens many businesses while simultaneously fewer young people are available for dual training. This makes it more challenging for businesses to secure their skilled labour needs in the long term. The new DIHK report highlights that stable framework conditions, modern vocational schools, and practical reforms are now essential to strengthen dual training.
Key Messages at a Glance
The DIHK Training Survey 2025 paints a clear picture: The training market is increasingly under pressure – from several sides. More and more businesses are reducing their training offerings, although skilled worker recruitment remains critical for the future.
At the same time, the skills shortage is worsening as suitable applicants are either unavailable or fail to meet requirements. Deficiencies in basic skills, social competence, and resilience are particularly severe. Despite these challenges, dual training remains a vital investment for many companies – and a reliable starting point for many young individuals. Additionally, the targeted employment of international trainees opens up new opportunities.
One thing is certain: To secure training and the skilled workforce base, better framework conditions, modern vocational schools, practical training, and targeted integration measures are needed.
Fewer training positions
For the first time in several years, the proportion of businesses unable to fill all offered training positions is back at 48% (after 49% in 2023).
In the current survey, 26% of businesses state that they will offer fewer training positions in 2025 compared to the previous year. Only 15% plan to provide more positions – leaving a balance of minus 11 percentage points. 59% intend to keep the number constant.
The reduced training offer strongly correlates with the economic outlook of the businesses: Those with a good economic perspective are more likely to train, whereas those with a poor outlook reduce disproportionately.
Lack of applicants
An increasing problem: Businesses not only lack applicants but increasingly struggle to find suitable ones. Of the businesses with hiring issues, 73% report facing difficulties in finding suitable applicants in 2024, a significant proportion.
32% of these businesses even reported – for the first time in years – no applications at all. The trend: Applications are coming, but less frequently with the required profiles.
Many young individuals, according to feedback from businesses, lack the minimum requirements. Especially common complaints include deficits in: work and social behaviour, resilience, mental performance, German language skills, and basic mathematics abilities.
Focus on basic skills
Despite the crisis, many businesses remain committed to dual training: Two-thirds of training businesses plan to retain their apprentices after successful training – a strong signal of the value of apprenticeships.
Meanwhile, businesses emphasize the need for better framework conditions to restore the attractiveness and success of training. According to the survey, this includes modernized, well-equipped vocational schools, closer integration between businesses and schools, and more practical orientation.
International trainees
More than half of the businesses (57%) see trainees from third countries as a valuable opportunity to meet the demand for skilled labour. One third of businesses have successfully employed foreign trainees – many aim to expand this in the future.
However, obstacles persist: language barriers, lack of affordable housing near businesses, and bureaucratic hurdles for entry and employment make integration challenging.
Grafik Herausforderungen Auszubildende Drittstaaten Ausbildungsumfrage 2025
Download
Skilled Labour_DIHK Training Survey 2025 (PDF, 1 MB)(only available in German)
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Released 31.07.2025
Modified 26.02.2026
Contact
Dario Portong
Head of Analysis and Vocational Education Data