Germany Sees 9% Rise in New Nursing Apprenticeships in 2024

Reforms to consolidate training programs and the emergence of university-level nursing degrees are reshaping the workforce.

Approximately 59,500 people began nursing apprenticeships in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year, according to official data.
The total number of nursing trainees remained steady at around 147,100 by the end of 2024.
The gender balance shifted slightly, with male trainees increasing by 4%, while the proportion of women decreased to 74%.
University-level nursing programs are gaining traction, with 1,200 students enrolled in 2024, including 700 first-year students.
Introduced in 2020, the consolidated nursing apprenticeship program aims to address staffing shortages and create a more versatile workforce.