Students and companies in training chaos: Where are the young talent?

Students and companies in training chaos: Where are the young talent?

The training landscape in the Elbe-Elster district looks mixed in 2025. Current figures show that 322 training places are still unfilled, while 234 young people are actively looking for an apprenticeship. This discrepancy between supply and demand is caused by various reasons, as lr-online.de reports.

Sectors such as crafts, care, hospitality and technical professions are particularly affected. Although there are a total of 638 vacant training positions for 427 applicants, there are obstacles: a lack of basic skills among school leavers, different expectations between applicants and companies, and a lack of information about lesser-known professions often make it difficult to fill the positions.

Causes and solutions

Why is it not possible to fill the vacant training positions? The IHK and the employment agency are addressing this question in their advisory services, which are already being actively used. In addition to individual advice, creative approaches are also pursued to improve the situation.

• Erhöhung der Praktikumsplätze
• Nutzung von Social Media-Kampagnen
• Durchführung von Schnuppertagen
• Angebot von Zusatzleistungen wie Fahrtkostenzuschüssen und Übernahmegarantien

By the end of July 2025, 90 vocational training contracts had already been signed - nine more than in the previous year. There are currently 359 apprenticeships in place and there are still 105 vacant apprenticeships available. In order to close the gap between supply and demand, it is important that applicants get in touch at short notice, as many companies are still urgently looking for trainees for the autumn.

Careers with perspective

The range of careers is broad and offers numerous opportunities for different school qualifications from high school to secondary school. Prospective trainees can apply for positions such as 3D designer, geriatric care assistant, IT specialist, mechatronics engineer or health and nursing assistant. These professions not only have a promising future, but also offer exciting challenges in a changing working environment, especially due to demographic change and advancing digitalization, which bring both opportunities and new requirements.

The next steps for those interested: The IHK is organizing a consultation day on September 3, 2025 at the Elbe-Elster regional center in Bad Liebenwerda from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Applicants can obtain information and advice directly here.

In addition to personal advice, it is important to find out about careers and training places in the region on platforms such as bildung.de, where current training offers are available. The world of training remains dynamic, and those who inform themselves and act quickly have the best chance of finding a suitable apprenticeship.