Overview

• Bavarian agencies report 35,000 unfilled positions for the 2025/26 training year with just 59,820 applicants to fill 90,318 openings, a ratio of 67 candidates per 100 slots.
• Applicant numbers rose by about 1,000 from last year while available placements fell by roughly 5,400 compared to 2024/25.
• The craft sector secured around 16,600 new apprenticeship contracts—up 3.6 percent—whereas Industrie- und Handelskammern agreements fell by about 2,000.
• Top choices among applicants include medical assistants and office management roles for women, and auto mechatronics, IT specialist and electrician positions overall.
• Regionaldirektion chief Markus Schmitz and industry bodies are urging summer internships and enhanced counseling to help youths gauge career fit and close skills gaps.