South Thuringia's apprentices praise strong employer support and clear expectations
Hands-On Experience Leads to Lasting Careers: South Thuringia's Craft Trades Prove the Power of Preparation
A new evaluation of the South Thuringia Chamber of Crafts' apprenticeship survey delivers clear evidence: thorough preparation is the key to a successful start in working life. Those who test their chosen trade in advance are far more likely to stick with it.
The survey reveals that internships and a welcoming workplace environment are decisive in determining whether young people's expectations align with the realities of their daily work.
"Flying blind" when choosing a career in South Thuringia's craft sector is now rare. Over 76% of apprentices already had a precise understanding of their profession before their first day on the job. This clarity pays off: nearly 70% of this well-informed group report that their workday matches their expectations almost perfectly.
The path to this confidence runs through practical experience. For nearly three-quarters of respondents, an internship was the most important factor in their career choice—with one in two securing their apprenticeship contract directly through it. Firsthand experience and advice from family and friends remain the most trusted guides for career starters, even in the social media age.
The findings paint a consistently positive picture across all trades—from automotive workshops to construction—with high satisfaction rates among new entrants.
A closer look at different company sizes uncovers telling details: in small businesses training just one apprentice, 77% report that their expectations fully match reality. Here, the advantage lies in direct, master-led mentorship. Larger firms with over ten trainees also perform exceptionally well, thanks to dedicated training workshops and structured routines that provide clear frameworks for daily learning.
Medium-sized businesses with two to five apprentices could benefit from these insights by adopting more targeted planning and support to further boost trainee satisfaction.
The region's employers are clearly doing something right: only 5% of respondents have doubts about their career choice. Strong support systems play a crucial role—83% of apprentices feel well looked after, and three-quarters praise their employer's preparation for their first day. Where a dedicated contact person and a clear training plan are in place, loyalty to the company is strongest.
To make craft apprenticeships even more appealing, trainees highlight two key priorities in their responses: fair compensation and high-quality learning environments. Closer collaboration between vocational schools and businesses, along with regular rotations through different departments, are the most frequently suggested improvements to create the "perfect training package."
For the South Thuringia Chamber of Crafts, these results send a clear message about the future of securing skilled labor in the region. The most effective approach, they argue, is for local craft businesses and nearby educational institutions to work hand in hand, offering accessible, attractive opportunities for young people.
Stefanie von Nordheim, Head of Vocational Training at the Chamber, emphasizes that nothing replaces hands-on experience when it comes to discovering one's talents. She urges young people and their parents to take advantage of the many opportunities to "try before they commit," such as the Chamber's major "Handwerk all-in" career and action day on September 12 at the BTZ Rohr-Kloster education campus. Visitors can explore every trade firsthand in workshops and meet dozens of local craft businesses—all under the motto "Experience and Try Craft Skills Live."
The state of Thuringia is also sweetening the deal: a €120-per-week internship bonus encourages teens aged 15 and up to connect with local employers during school holidays. For many, it could be the first step toward a fulfilling career—built on real-world experience.
Read also:
- India's Agriculture Minister Reviews Sector Progress Amid Heavy Rains, Crop Areas Up
- Sleep Maxxing Trends and Tips: New Zealanders Seek Better Rest
- Over 1.7M in Baden-Württemberg at Poverty Risk, Emmendingen's Housing Crisis Urgent
- Life Expectancy Soars, But Youth Suicide and Substance Abuse Pose Concern
