Overview
- The joint Bertelsmann Stiftung and IW study published on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, reports that about 20% of apprentices feel frequently emotionally burdened and roughly 15% report worryingly poor well‑being.
- Three quarters of apprentices with very poor well‑being say they would consider quitting their training compared with 12% of those with stable well‑being, linking mental strain directly to higher dropout intent.
- Sixty‑two percent of surveyed companies report productivity losses tied to apprentices' mental health, and the study estimates an average cost to firms of roughly €20,000 for each apprenticeship that ends prematurely.
- Many companies offer health and prevention measures but such support is less common in small and medium enterprises and only about one third of apprentices know these offers exist.
- The authors call for stronger prevention, an open workplace culture and targeted trainer education, and a large DGB youth survey released in late August suggests the problem may be even more widespread, increasing the urgency of action.