BA Campaign Week: Internship Week enters its second round

Following last year’s successful launch, the Federal Employment Agency (BA) is continuing its Internship Week. This year, too, the focus is on practical career guidance through work placements.

13.05.2026 | Press release no.17

Campaign period: May 18-22, 2026

As part of the Alliance for Initial and Further Training’s ‘Summer of Vocational Training’, Internship Week will take place again in May. Young people are to gain insights into different occupational fields and be supported in their career orientation To this end, local job centres raise awareness among those seeking training and encourage them to take part in work placements or entry-level training (EQ) as a first step into the world of work. At the same time, companies are being approached with a view to attracting young talent and future employees.

Broaden your career choices with practical insights

A particular focus this year is on broadening the range of career options available to young people. Whilst girls are given the opportunity to find out about STEM careers (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and learn more about them, boys are to be encouraged to gain an insight into SAHGE careers (social work, domestic services, health and care, and education and training).

“Work placements play a key role in helping young people choose the right career: they give them a realistic insight into day-to-day working life, help them identify their own strengths and open up new career prospects.” That is why I urge young people to take advantage of work placements – they will pave the way for you. “At the same time, companies are called upon to actively facilitate these opportunities – because those who offer insights at an early stage will attract the motivated young talent of tomorrow,” says Daniel Terzenbach, Executive Board Member for Regions at the Federal Employment Agency.

BA supports the transition from school to the world of work

Last year, the BA helped over 12,000 young people to secure work placements. The Federal Employment Agency (BA) offers two types of support in this regard: before young people decide on a specific apprenticeship, they can take part in a career exploration placement (BOP) lasting between one and six weeks to gain an initial insight into their chosen company and profession. If a specific training aspiration already exists, a paid entry qualification (EQ) lasting between four and twelve months can be completed, with the option of being taken on permanently. The BA can provide financial support, for example by covering travel expenses for entry-level training or accommodation costs during a career exploration placement.

Interested individuals can use the following links to find suitable contact points, nationwide internship portals, and available internship and apprenticeship places via the Federal Employment Agency’s job portal: