According to preliminary figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), approximately 461,800 apprentices began their dual vocational training in Germany in 2025. This figure represents an increase of 13,300 fewer new training contracts-a 2.8 percent decrease-when compared to the previous year, which saw 475,100 starts. This downward trend continues from 2024, following years that displayed fluctuating patterns, including slight growth between 2021 and 2023 (with 2021 seeing an increase of 0.6%, 2022 at 0.8%, and 2023 at 2.1%). These new contracts cover apprentices who were in training as of December 31, 2025.
In 2025, men significantly outnumbered women entering dual vocational training. Roughly 295,400 men, accounting for 64 percent, and 166,400 women, representing 36 percent, started new apprenticeship contracts. Analysis of specialized areas showed varied gender participation. The areas of craft trades and agriculture maintained the highest proportion of male participation, with male shares at 81 percent (106,900 apprentices) and 74 percent (9,300 apprentices), respectively. Conversely, female participation was notably higher in the fields of free professions-with 89 percent of apprentices (39,800) being female-and household management (80 percent, 820 apprentices). The free professions sector encompasses roles such as medical assistants and legal or notarial assistants. Furthermore, in the public service sector, women began new training programs more frequently than men, comprising 63 percent (9,000 apprentices) of the participants.
Looking at the total cohort across all years, approximately 1,207,900 individuals were enrolled in dual vocational training at the close of 2025. This overall number marks a slight decline compared to the previous year, falling by 0.8 percent, or 10,000 apprentices. The training landscape in 2025 was dominated by the industry and trade sector, which housed 677,100 apprentices, followed by the craft trades with 342,700 apprentices, and the free professions with 113,100 apprentices. Additionally, 40,700 apprentices were in public service, 31,400 in agriculture, and about 3,000 in household management, all enrolled under the Vocational Education Act.