Transition Barometer April 2026

In March/April 2026, an estimated 98,097 young people will be faced with the choice of vocational training. Of these, 63 per cent are considering basic vocational training. Dual basic vocational training remains particularly important in this context.

The general education route is the second most common option. 43 per cent of young people are interested in a Maturität or specialist secondary school. As the next step was still undecided for many young people at the time of the survey, multiple answers were possible. The figures therefore reflect areas of interest and not exclusively definitive decisions. 57 per cent of young people at Transition Point I will already have a next-step plan in place by spring 2026. This includes signed apprenticeship contracts, verbal offers, passed entrance exams or offers for other options such as gap years or bridging programmes.

For young people interested in an apprenticeship, the process is well advanced. 62 per cent already have a signed apprenticeship contract. A further 11 per cent have received a verbal offer. Together, this means that 73 per cent of young people interested in dual vocational education and training already have a guaranteed apprenticeship place. This figure is back at pre-pandemic levels.

At the same time, some young people are still in a situation of uncertainty. 43 per cent do not yet have a definitive plan for the future. Bridging programmes and gap years therefore continue to play an important role, for example as an orientation phase, to improve academic performance, or as a temporary solution whilst an apprenticeship place is still being sought.
Basic vocational training enjoys broad acceptance among young people. Many associate it with practical relevance, tangible benefits and future prospects. 69 per cent agree with the statement that apprentices can solve practical problems. 68 per cent each view basic vocational training within a company as training with a future and as a combination of school education with practical work.

At the same time, uncertainties are also evident. 65 per cent of young people agree with the statement that one has to decide on a career very early on, which can be limiting later on. Furthermore, not all young people are able to clearly assess the long-term development opportunities and social status associated with basic vocational training. This highlights the importance of guidance, information and permeability within the education system.

Companies are projected to offer 74,086 apprenticeship places in 2026. This figure is therefore at a similar level to that of the previous four years. 91 per cent of the apprenticeship places on offer lead to a Federal Certificate of Competence, whilst 8 per cent lead to a Federal Vocational Certificate.

68 per cent of apprenticeship places had already been filled by March/April 2026. This placement rate is close to the figures from the first years of the survey and confirms the stabilisation following the lower figures during and after the pandemic.

However, there are significant differences between sectors. A particularly high number of apprenticeship places have already been filled in financial and insurance services, information and communication, professional services, agriculture and forestry, and public administration. A comparatively large number of unfilled apprenticeship places can be found in the hospitality sector, construction, retail and other services.

From the companies’ perspective, the focus when starting an apprenticeship is not on fully developed professional skills. What matters most are fundamental personal and social skills. The qualities companies mention most frequently are motivation, a willingness to learn, a pleasant manner and good manners.

When it comes to the personal skills expected, motivation and a willingness to learn are clearly at the forefront. In terms of social skills, companies particularly often mention good manners, helpfulness, teamwork and the ability to accept or give criticism and feedback.

At the same time, companies see a need for development in certain skills. They particularly often find that independence, self-organisation, prioritisation and the ability to concentrate are lacking. This brings into focus not only the selection of suitable apprentices, but also the question of how young people can be better supported in the transition from school to vocational training. The companies surveyed see several areas where action can be taken to improve the transition to vocational training. The strongest support is given to school-integrated modules to prepare for vocational school or work experience, as well as more elective and specialised subjects related to vocational training.
Company-based measures are also considered helpful. These include targeted onboarding within the company or part-time work before the apprenticeship begins. These measures can help to clarify expectations early on and make it easier for young people to settle into everyday working life.

The young people’s social environment also plays a role. Companies generally perceive teachers as being slightly more committed than parents. At the same time, a significant proportion of companies see further potential for greater involvement from the social environment.