In the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein in northern Germany, there was a 5.6% increase in newly concluded vocational training contracts in the craft sector compared to the previous year. In total, nearly 5.5 thousand new apprentices began training. The largest increase in interest was recorded in trades related to the food industry, while classic construction trades, such as carpentry and masonry, experienced declines. Data for 2025 shows that the craft sector, crucial to the German economy, continues to attract young people, although the structure of demand is evolving.
5.6% Increase in Apprentices
In Schleswig-Holstein, 5.6% more new vocational training contracts in crafts were concluded in 2025 compared to 2024. This means nearly 5.5 thousand new apprentices began training in this sector.
Boom in Food Trades
Trades related to food processing recorded a significant increase in popularity. The number of new apprentices in the baker trade increased by 19%, and in the butcher trade by 24%. The number of cooks and confectioners is also growing.
Declines in Construction and Carpentry
Traditional craft trades, especially in construction, are experiencing a decline in the number of candidates. The number of new apprentices in the carpenter trade fell by 9%, and in the mason trade by as much as 27%. The number of apprentices in the hairdresser trade is also falling.
German Crafts as a Pillar of the Economy
The German dual vocational training system, combining practical training with an employer and learning in a vocational school, is recognized as a key factor for low youth unemployment and the strength of the local economy.
In the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, the craft sector recorded an increase in the number of new apprentices starting vocational training last year. According to data published by the local Chamber of Crafts, 5.6% more training contracts were concluded in 2025 than in the previous year, translating to nearly 5.5 thousand new craft trainees. The German vocational training system, the so-called dual system, has a centuries-old tradition originating from medieval craft guilds. Its modern form, combining practical training with a certified master craftsman and theory in a public vocational school, is widely recognized as one of the pillars of German economic competitiveness and low youth unemployment. Analysis of the data reveals a clear shift in career choice trends. While classic trades related to construction and woodworking are losing popularity, interest in food industry trades is growing dynamically. The largest increase was recorded for the butcher trade, where the number of new apprentices jumped by 24%, and for the baker trade, with a 19% increase. The number of people starting training as cooks and confectioners is also rising. The opposite trend is seen in the carpenter trade (a 9% decline), mason trade (a 27% decline), and hairdresser trade. This change in young people's preferences may reflect the evolution of the labor market, the growing importance of the service sector, and possibly the impact of promotional programs for individual industries. Chambers of Crafts in Germany play a key role in organizing and supervising vocational training. They are public law corporations that represent the interests of craft businesses, maintain a register of training companies, organize journeyman and master craftsman exams, and also support marketing for individual trades. Their statistics are considered reliable and an early indicator of sentiment in a sector crucial to the German economy: small and medium-sized enterprises. Data from Schleswig-Holstein, although concerning only one region, fits into a broader nationwide discussion about the future of crafts in the era of digitalization and demographic changes. A key challenge remains encouraging a sufficient number of young people to take over craft businesses from retiring owners.