Larger corporations tend to offer more apprenticeship agreements compared to smaller businesses, according to IfM Bonn data. The regions with the highest apprenticeship rates are Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
In a recent report by the Institute for SME Research (IfM) Bonn, it has been revealed that larger companies in Germany are experiencing an increasing advantage when it comes to apprenticeships [1]. The report, available on the IfM's homepage (www.ifm-bonn.org), provides detailed statistical data on the subject.
The report highlights several factors contributing to this trend. Larger firms have access to better resources for training, offering structured mentoring, higher apprenticeship wages, and the ability to provide permanent positions after training [1][5]. These companies also offer a varied departmental experience, enhancing learning and professional growth [1].
Moreover, larger companies often adhere to collective agreements that lead to better apprenticeship pay, with an average monthly wage of €1,133 in 2024 [5]. They also tend to implement more formalized programs aligned with federal initiatives like the Alliance for Initial and Further Training, which aims to integrate more youth into high-quality dual vocational training systems [2].
However, the report also notes a declining overall number of companies offering training, with smaller enterprises generally having fewer resources to invest in apprenticeships [5]. This trend disproportionately affects smaller companies and youth with lower educational qualifications [5].
Key statistics from the report include the high retention rate of apprentices, with about 94% staying on after completing their apprenticeship, more common in larger companies which hire from their apprentices [3][1]. The report also shows that the total number of apprentices has increased for the second consecutive year in 2024 [4].
Despite the advantages enjoyed by larger companies, small, medium, and micro-sized businesses still train the most apprentices collectively. However, the increase in apprenticeships is more pronounced in larger and medium-sized companies compared to small and micro-enterprises [4]. The report also reveals that the lowest training quota is in Berlin and Hamburg, while the highest is in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland [4].
For more information, Dr. Jutta Groeschl, the press contact at the Institute for SME Research (IfM) Bonn, can be reached at [email protected] or by telephone at +49 228 72997-29 [6].
Sources: [1] IfM Bonn. (2025). Larger companies gain advantage in apprenticeships in Germany. Retrieved from www.ifm-bonn.org [2] Alliance for Initial and Further Training. (n.d.). Retrieved from www.bmwi.de/BWI/Themen/Erziehung-und-Bildung/Berufliche-Ausbildung/Initiativen/Allianz-fuer-Anfangs-und-Weiterbildung/allianz-fuer-anfaengs-und-weiterbildung.html [3] IfM Bonn. (2024). Apprenticeship retention rates remain high. Retrieved from www.ifm-bonn.org/news/apprenticeship-retention-rates-remain-high [4] IfM Bonn. (2025). Apprenticeship numbers increase for the second consecutive year. Retrieved from www.ifm-bonn.org/news/apprenticeship-numbers-increase-for-the-second-consecutive-year [5] IfM Bonn. (2024). Advantages and challenges in apprenticeships. Retrieved from www.ifm-bonn.org/research/advantages-and-challenges-in-apprenticeships [6] IfM Bonn. (n.d.). Contact us. Retrieved from www.ifm-bonn.org/contact [7] news aktuell. (2025). Larger companies gain advantage in apprenticeships in Germany. Retrieved from www.news-aktuell.de/wirtschaft/larger-companies-gain-advantage-in-apprenticeships-in-germany [8] ots. (2025). Larger companies gain advantage in apprenticeships in Germany. Retrieved from www.ots.de/pressemitteilung/pressemitteilung-id/3042840
- The report from the Institute for SME Research (IfM) Bonn demonstrates that larger companies in Germany have a distinct advantage when it comes to apprenticeships, due to factors like access to better training resources, structured mentoring, higher wages, and departmental variety.
- The report's data shows that personal-finance aspects, such as the average monthly wage of €1,133 in 2024 for apprentices in larger companies, play a significant role in attracting more trainees.
- In the realm of education and self-development, formalized programs aligned with federal initiatives like the Alliance for Initial and Further Training ensure that apprentices in larger companies receive high-quality dual vocational training, contributing to their long-term professional growth.
