Extended apprenticeship durations exacerbate the scarcity of skilled workers in trade industries - Increased periods of absence spark growing apprehension about the youth in the arts and crafts industry
In an effort to counter the looming skills shortage in North Rhine-Westphalia's (NRW) craft sector, various solutions are being proposed. The change in the number of grades in gymnasiums starting from the 2026/27 school year may impact the availability of Abitur students for apprenticeships, leading to a potential shortage of skilled workers in the craft sector.
Andreas Ehlert, president of Handwerk.NRW, has shared concerns about the upcoming skills shortage, stating that tens of thousands of students will remain in gymnasiums after the 2025/26 school year, resulting in a noticeable gap in 2026 due to the largely missing Abitur year.
To address this challenge, potential solutions involve strengthening and diversifying vocational training pathways. Enhanced traineeships and apprenticeships, such as the Federal Employment Agency's training-related assistance for young people struggling to find apprenticeships, are being proposed. These programs include introductory training programs, lasting 6 to 12 months, designed as a preparatory step before formal vocational training. Participants receive a stipend and social insurance coverage, and training time can count towards a full apprenticeship certification.
Assisted and extra-company training systems, targeting disadvantaged youth unable to find in-company training places, are another proposed approach. These programs primarily provide vocational education through educational institutions rather than workplaces.
Recognition and certification of vocational skills, ensuring that vocational skills are validated and can improve employment opportunities, are also being considered. Passing exams regulated by the Vocational Training Act leads to recognized certificates, helping attract more young people to craft professions.
The NRW regional directorate of the Federal Employment Agency will comment on the training market in North Rhine-Westphalia, including the effects of the extended school time in gymnasiums in the federal state.
In the meantime, craft businesses are being encouraged to engage in early personnel planning and act proactively to counter the skills shortage. One option to bridge the gap next year is to fill additional training positions this year. The proportion of apprentices in NRW's craft sector with Fachhochschulreife or Hochschulreife was significantly higher in some professions, such as 41 percent for dental technicians and 45 percent for carpenters.
A press conference is expected to be held in Düsseldorf, with representatives of the craft sector, IHK, and the Association of Freelancers NRW attending. The conference is expected to provide additional information and insights on the current situation and potential solutions for the skills shortage in NRW.
The craft sector in North Rhine-Westphalia will face increased pressure in 2026, with the training market under even more strain. However, by implementing these proposed solutions, it is hoped that the skills shortage can be mitigated, ensuring the continued growth and success of the craft sector in the region.
[1] Source: German Press Agency report on the skills shortage and the training market in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- EC countries might benefit from studying the strategies employed by North Rhine-Westphalia to combat its skills shortage in the craft sector, as diverse vocational training programs, such as enhanced traineeships and apprenticeships, may provide valuable education-and-self-development opportunities.
- Participating in vocational training in North Rhine-Westphalia's craft sector could potentially lead to recognized certificates, enhancing the employability of trainees beyond the region, as the Vocational Training Act ensures the validation of vocational skills, providing tangible benefits for career progression within EU member states.
