Interest in training in Saxony's skilled trades continues

Saxony's skilled trades sector has recorded a 5.6 percent increase in new apprenticeship contracts for the 2024/2025 training year that has just begun. According to the Saxon Crafts Association, a total of 5,201 such contracts had been concluded by the end of August, 278 more than at the same time last year. "The offensive, target group-oriented approach to young people, not least through the nationwide image campaign of the skilled crafts organization, is obviously paying off," said spokesman Frank Wetzel.

A noticeably higher demand for apprenticeships in the food trade. Overall, there was greater demand for apprenticeships in professions such as specialist salesperson, butcher, baker and confectioner. However, as has been the case for years, the majority of new contracts were for automotive mechatronics technicians, electronics technicians and sanitary, heating and air conditioning mechanics.

Hundreds of training places still available

Wetzel spoke of a "pleasing interim result". But there are still hundreds of vacant training places. The skilled trades sector is now relying on last-minute applicants, "preferably high school graduates and university dropouts", to fill as many of the more than 500 apprenticeship vacancies as possible.

Entry into the current apprenticeship year possible

According to Wetzel, there is a particular need in the automotive, construction and finishing trades. Apprentices are being sought in the professions of automotive mechatronics technician, metalworker, carpenter, bricklayer and in the sanitary, heating and air conditioning trades. Entry into dual vocational training with theory at vocational school and practice in the company is still "uncomplicated".