"Our businesses need motivated and well-prepared trainees now more than ever. The new alliance focuses precisely on the right areas: basic skills, language support, and stronger career guidance, including at grammar schools," says Jörg Dittrich, President of the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts. (Photo: © maridav/123RF.com)
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June 2026
The new agreement of the Alliance for Education and Training has been published to coincide with the start of the summer of vocational training.
With the joint launch of this year's "Summer of Vocational Training", the Federal Ministry of Education (BMBFSFJ) and the Central Association of German Crafts The German Confederation of Skilled Crafts (ZDH) emphasized the importance of vocational education and training for securing skilled workers and the future of Germany as a business location. An event in Berlin simultaneously launched the new working period of the Alliance for Vocational Training and Continuing Education for the period 2026 to 2029.
"With this new agreement, the Alliance for Vocational Training and Continuing Education is taking responsibility for the future of our country. Skills shortages, digitalization, and demographic change will determine how competitive Germany will be tomorrow. That is why we are investing specifically in vocational training, equal opportunities, and a strong training partnership between the federal government, the states, industry, and social partners," explained Federal Minister of Education Karin Prien (CDU).
Alliance agreementRead the here Full agreement for 2026 to 2029."Our businesses need motivated and well-prepared trainees now more than ever. The new alliance focuses precisely on the right areas: basic skills, language support, and stronger career guidance, including in secondary schools. It is crucial for the skilled trades that young people gain early insights into practical work and recognize the opportunities offered by vocational training. Only in this way can we secure the urgently needed next generation of skilled workers and guarantee the continued competitiveness of skilled trades businesses," said ZDH President Jörg Dittrich.
Together with representatives from politics, trade, and vocational training, they discussed the current challenges of attracting young people to vocational training. A particular focus was on how to make excellence in vocational education more visible and further strengthen the appeal of a career in skilled trades, also with a view to the EuroSkills 2027 European Skills Championship taking place in Düsseldorf next year.
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The panel discussion included BMBFSFJ State Secretary Dr. Petra Bahr, ZDH Secretary General Holger Schwannecke, Dorothee Frankenstein, training manager of Berlin mf Mercedöl GmbH, and Johannes Renner, silver medalist of the EuroSkills Herning 2025.
BackgroundIn 2026, the partner organizations of the Alliance for Vocational Training and Continuing Education will organize the "Summer of Vocational Training" for the sixth time to support young people on their path to vocational training. Through activities at the federal, state, and regional levels, they will provide information about vocational education and training, bring companies and young people together, and demonstrate the benefits of starting a vocational apprenticeship. From June to September 2026, the thematic focuses of "Career Orientation," "Excellence," and "Diversity" will offer young people, teachers, and parents insights into the multifaceted aspects of vocational education and training.
Source: ZDH
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