A solution to address the shortage of apprentices

Across Germany, there is a shortage of trainees – not only in nursing, but also in skilled trades and industry. There are not enough qualified applicants from within Germany, because the cohorts of school leavers are getting smaller.

As a result, more than 220,000 apprenticeship positions remain unfilled every year. Due to the lack of young talent, orders cannot be accepted and the workforce is ageing. In addition, trainees from Germany often drop out of their apprenticeship due to a lack of motivation or low willingness to perform.

Young people from abroad, by contrast, see an apprenticeship at a company in Germany as the opportunity of a lifetime. In their home countries, the alternative would be to start a degree programme that comes with high fees and still offers no secure career prospects. Apprenticeships in Germany, on the other hand, offer the prospect of long-term, interesting and well-paid employment.

Motivated and well-prepared trainees from abroad can help close the gaps left by German school leavers. At TalentOrange, we already have experience in preparing school leavers from abroad for an apprenticeship in nursing in Germany. Together with interested employers, we are now also tapping into the potential of international school leavers for occupations in skilled trades and industry.

Through a multi-stage assessment, we select suitable young people for the respective industrial profession or skilled trade. We assess personal suitability, intellectual aptitude and the applicants’ high level of motivation. In an intensive course, we teach German as a foreign language up to B2 level so that future trainees can communicate effectively both at vocational school and in the company.

We ensure that school qualifications obtained abroad are recognised by German school authorities and that timely entry to Germany for the start of the apprenticeship is secured. If desired, we will find accommodation close to the training company. We take care of all administrative matters with the authorities.

TalentOrange GmbH has been active since 2012 in recruiting, language training and placement of international skilled professionals and apprentices for German employers. We recruit from 19 countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. To date, we have supported more than 2,400 recognitions of professional and school qualifications. 96% of the skilled professionals and trainees we place stay in Germany permanently – because we only introduce employers to young people who view emigrating to Germany as a life decision.

Trainees from abroad are a win-win solution for everyone involved. Companies can position themselves for the future. The trainees, in turn, gain an excellent career perspective in Germany, for which they are grateful. We bring both sides together. Feel free to get in touch.