Bavarian Apprenticeship Market Shows Resilience

The Bavarian apprenticeship market is demonstrating stability despite significant economic headwinds, according to Markus Schmitz, head of the Bavarian employment agencies. Schmitz described the results as “a genuinely good outcome,” especially “in these times” of economic difficulty. Of the more than 94,000 apprenticeship positions reported statewide, roughly 80,500 had been filled by the end of September. Crucially, only 1,800 interested candidates remained available for the positions still open. Schmitz emphasized that continued investment in training by companies is “not a given” in the current climate.

Economic Slump Creates Hiring Hesitation

The ongoing economic downturn threatens to upend long-standing certainties in the training sector. Companies are thinking much harder before committing to taking on a trainee. Agencies reported 5,100 fewer training positions this year than in the previous year. Schmitz expressed concern that Bavaria might “lose more ground” in this area. These concerns were mirrored by broader labor market data released concurrently: the unemployment rate for October rose by 0.2 points year-over-year to 3.9%, representing 21,083 more people unemployed (a 7.4% increase). Furthermore, cases of short-term work (Kurzarbeit) increased by 19%.

Companies Cite Gaps in ‘Soft Skills’

Despite the relatively stable figures, Chambers of Industry and Commerce observe the economy’s impact on hiring and point to another significant challenge: applicant deficits in “soft skills.” In a recent chamber survey, 84% of companies reported that applicants lacked necessary resilience, discipline, and engagement. In contrast, the youth wing of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) highlighted the contradictions facing apprentices: they are expected to be flexible in their career choice while simultaneously finding it nearly impossible to afford housing in metropolitan areas on their training allowance.

Strategic Recruitment and Modern Perks

Participants in the annual review of the training market—which includes the Federal Employment Agency, chambers of commerce, the Bavarian Industry Association, unions, and the state government—agree that career guidance in schools is becoming more critical. Schmitz noted that demographic changes alone make continued training essential to combat future labor shortages. Host Ralf Weisheit, whose Munich-based climate and refrigeration technology firm (Luka) hosted the meeting, pointed out that some companies are thriving. His firm currently employs 29 apprentices, attracting them with modern perks such as a subsidy for a driver’s license, a company pension plan, performance bonuses, and an active Instagram account showing that “we don’t just work here, we also celebrate.”

Public Sector Joins the Hunt for 2026 Talent

The public sector is also actively recruiting for the long term, looking to secure talent years in advance. The city of Markkleeberg, for example, is now advertising two attractive entry-level administrative positions set to begin on September 1, 2026. The city is seeking “dedicated talent” aiming for a public service career to help “actively shape the future of our city.”

Available Training and Study Programs

The city is offering two distinct tracks. The first is a three-year apprenticeship for Administrative Specialist (specializing in state and municipal administration), which requires a secondary school diploma or a high school diploma (Abitur). This program covers diverse city hall functions, from urban planning and finance to digitalization. The second offering is a three-year dual-study “General Administration” program, which results in a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.). This track combines theoretical studies at the Meissen University of Applied Sciences with practical experience in key areas of Markkleeberg’s city administration, such as administrative law and human resources. Applicants for the dual-study program must have a university entrance qualification (Abitur) or an equivalent.