Mismatch on the training market persists

Open training positions and unplaced applicants on the training market do not always match up perfectly. In many cases, young people have different career aspirations than those offered by training providers. Many training providers also expect a higher qualification than they actually have.

26 Aug 2025 | Press release no.34

In July, 182,000 training positions registered with employment agencies and job centres across Germany were still vacant. At the same time, 140,000 young people interested in training were registered who had not yet found a training position or an alternative. Even though there is still a lot of activity on the training market in August and September, there will continue to be an ongoing mismatch this year.

For this reason, Andrea Nahles, Chairwoman of the BA, appeals to both young people and training companies: "Be flexible! What I would like to see from companies is this: give young people a chance even if they do not seem to fit the profile perfectly at first glance. Qualifications can be developed, and we at BA will advise and support you in this process – also with regard to funding opportunities. Today's trainees are tomorrow's skilled workers! To young people, I would like to say: take advantage of the opportunities available to you, look beyond your own horizons, discover new professions and be prepared to relocate within your region. Get in touch with us – our career advisors will be happy to assist you. Vocational training is an investment in your future and the best long-term protection against unemployment!”

Vocational mismatch makes it difficult to find training opportunities

In many skilled trades, such as food production and sales, construction, retail, warehouse logistics, catering and technical professions (e.g. mechatronics, automation technology, metal construction), the number of registered training positions is significantly higher than the number of registered applicants. 

In contrast, there are significantly fewer training positions than applicants in fields such as hairdressing, software development, carpentry, and even in very popular professions such as technical media design and animal care.

Mismatch in qualifications remains a challenge

The chances of finding a training position vary depending on the qualification obtained. In July, young adults with a Hauptschulabschluss (certificate of secondary education) had access to approximately 60 per cent of the registered training positions. Young people with a Realschulabschluss (general certificate of secondary education) were able to apply for 93 per cent of all apprenticeship positions, while those with a higher school leaving certificate were theoretically able to apply for all apprenticeship positions.

Regional distribution of applicants and jobs is not balanced everywhere

In nine federal states, there were significantly more training positions than applicants registered in July. In five federal states, the number of registered applicants and registered training positions were roughly equal. There was a shortage of training positions in Berlin and Hesse, however.