The Federal Employment Agency’s digital career guidance services support young people and their parents. More than 3,000 households decided to take advantage of the information made available at the digital parents’ evenings. At the virtual events, young people and their parents were able to find out about the vocational training opportunities and dual study programmes available in more than 80 companies and sectors.

By the time they are holding their half-yearly report in their hands, many school students ask themselves an important question: what am I going to do after finishing school? In this context, the digital parents’ evenings from the Federal Employment Agency are a new service aimed specifically at parents and their children to provide them with guidance in choosing a career.

Between 10 and 20 February 2025, approximately 3,160 households took advantage of the offer to find out about available vocational training and study opportunities. Some 70 large companies operating throughout Germany and numerous trade associations from a wide range of sectors introduced themselves to the participants and provided valuable insights into a variety of occupational fields.

Parents are the most important advisors when it comes to deciding on an in-company apprenticeship or higher education. In joining the online events, the families were able to access important information flexibly and from any location.

The positive response to the events shows that digital formats are a valuable addition to traditional careers advice. The Federal Employment Agency is planning to further develop its service in this field and to support even more families with career guidance in the future.

Digital offerings to supplement traditional career guidance

In Germany, approximately 330 recognised vocational training occupations and a wide range of degree courses are available. This is an area in which many young people find it hard to make the right decision. Careers advisors provide information at in-person discussions at employment agencies or in schools. The Careers Information Centres of the Federal Employment Agency also host numerous careers guidance events.

In addition, the Federal Employment Agency has a wide range of digital services:

Check-U – the exploration tool: this free online tool helps young people to identify their strengths, interests and skills, and to find suitable vocational training or study opportunities.

BerufeNet: A comprehensive database which contains detailed information on more than 3,000 occupations, from job descriptions through to salary prospects.

Planet-Beruf.de: Specially designed for secondary school level I students in Germany, this platform gives information on career choices, application tips and experience reports.

Abi.de: For students studying for the Abitur qualification, information is available on higher education, vocational training and dual study programmes.

The next major nationwide campaign week on the topics of apprenticeships and career choices is starting on 24 March with “Vocational Training Week”.

Every year in March, the federal employment agencies, Jobcenters, youth employment agencies and their partners inform interested persons all about in-company vocational training, and highlight the opportunities that vocational training offers both young people and companies.

Market for vocational training and apprenticeships likely to remain busy

By the end of February, 294,000 applicants had registered for vocational training places and apprenticeships that are scheduled to start in the summer. That was 9,000 more than in the same period last year. At the same time, at 397,000, 20,000 fewer in-company vocational training places and apprenticeships were on offer than last year.

As in previous years, however, many more vacancies than applicants are registered at the Federal Employment Agency. Businesses continue to find it challenging to fill their apprenticeships and vocational training places.