Germany: modernisation of vocational training aligns apprenticeship with labour market needs

Cooperation as a key principle

Updating apprenticeship regulations is a core element of Germany’s dual vocational training system. The process is based on cooperation and consensus among the federal and state governments as well as employers’ and employees’ organisations. This collaboration ensures that training content remains practical and widely accepted by companies. BIBB moderates and supports the regulation process in terms of content and form, facilitating constructive discussions to unify different perspectives and reach consensus.

The process consists of three main stages:

• preliminary phase: analysing the need for modernisation and defining key parameters;
• main phase: developing the new training regulation through expert committees;
• final phase: adopting and publishing the new regulation.

Afterwards, the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) adapts the corresponding school curricula.

Example: technical construction designer

The impetus for introducing new apprenticeship programmes or modernising existing ones, among the current 325 dual training occupations, usually comes from professional associations or umbrella organisations of employers and trade unions. A striking example is the newly modernised occupation of technical construction designer (formerly draftsperson). The three-year apprenticeship equips trainees with competence in planning and modelling construction projects as well as in creating technical drawings and documents. Graduates typically find employment in engineering offices, architectural offices, building authorities and construction infrastructure companies.

The modernisation was necessary due to significant changes in the construction process. Traditional sequential planning in phases has transitioned to collaborative work on integrated 3D models. Skilled workers today must not only draw but also process data, communicate effectively, and work with digital models, coordinating constantly with all involved parties. The updated curriculum combines traditional drawing skills with digital modelling, data management, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Reflecting these changes, the technical construction designer now offers three specialisations:

• civil engineering,
• architecture,
• infrastructure and landscape construction, reflecting Germany’s focus on sustainable transport.

Other modernised occupations effective 2025

Besides the technical construction designer, the following occupations have also been updated:

• management assistant in office communication,
• florist,
• photographer,
• gold and silversmith,
• gem setter,
• chimney sweep,
• judicial clerk.

In the judicial clerks apprenticeship, the increasing use of electronic specialist applications and the introduction of electronic file management have led to a comprehensive digital workflow in courts, now reflected in the updated apprenticeship regulation and the school curriculum.

Outlook

The President of the BIBB emphasised the need to accelerate the modernisation process to keep pace with the rapid transformation of the working world.