Half of Germany's Apprentices Face Mental Health Struggles

Introduction

Germany's dual vocational training system — the Ausbildung — is often presented as one of the country's great success stories, offering a structured path into skilled employment for both German residents and newcomers alike. But a new report from the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) paints a more sobering picture. According to the DGB's 2025 Ausbildungsreport, one in two apprentices in Germany is currently experiencing psychological stress — a figure that should concern anyone considering or currently completing a vocational training programme in this country.

For expats and immigrants doing an Ausbildung, the pressures highlighted in this report are likely familiar: financial strain, difficulty finding affordable housing, and the daily demands of combining work, learning, and life in a new country.

What the DGB Report Found

The DGB's annual Ausbildungsreport surveys thousands of apprentices across Germany to assess the quality and conditions of vocational training. The 2025 edition reveals a sharp rise in psychological burden among trainees.

The three main stressors identified are:

• Financial pressure: Many apprenticeship salaries remain low, particularly in sectors like hospitality, retail, and social care. For apprentices without family support in Germany — a common situation for immigrants — this can mean genuine financial hardship.
• The housing market: Rising rents across German cities have hit apprentices hard, as their income is typically not enough to compete in the rental market. Some trainees reported spending more than half their monthly income on rent.
• Workplace stress: Long hours, inadequate supervision, and in some cases tasks outside the scope of the training contract were also flagged as significant concerns.

The DGB is now calling on federal and state governments to raise minimum apprenticeship pay, expand affordable student and apprentice housing, and strengthen oversight of training companies.

What This Means for Immigrant and Expat Apprentices

For newcomers to Germany doing an Ausbildung — whether through a recognition of prior qualifications, a company-sponsored programme, or as part of an integration pathway — the situation described in this report can feel even more acute.

Many immigrant apprentices do not have family networks in Germany to fall back on financially. They may be sending money home, paying off relocation costs, or supporting dependants. At the same time, their German language skills, while often sufficient for work, may make it harder to navigate the bureaucratic side of accessing support — from the Jobcenter to housing benefit applications.

It is also worth noting that apprentices on certain visa categories must ensure their training contract and employer are recognised and valid for their residence status. Any interruption to the apprenticeship — including dropping out due to financial or psychological pressure — can have implications for an Aufenthaltstitel tied to the training.

Support Structures That Exist

Despite the challenges, there are resources available:

• DGB's independent advice centres (Faire Integration and similar services) offer free counselling for immigrant workers and apprentices on their rights.
• Betriebsrat (works council): If your employer has one, this is a formal channel to raise concerns about working conditions.
• Psychological counselling: Many cities offer low-cost or free psychological support through community health services or university clinics. You do not need to be a student to access some of these services.
• Wohngeld (housing benefit): Depending on income, some apprentices may be eligible. Check with your local Jobcenter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave my apprenticeship if conditions are too difficult without losing my visa?

This depends on your specific visa or residence permit type. If your Aufenthaltstitel is tied to your Ausbildung, dropping out could affect your right to remain in Germany. Before making any decision, consult a migration counselling service or a lawyer specialising in immigration law. Do not assume your status is automatically secure.

Is there a minimum salary for apprentices in Germany?

Yes. Germany introduced a statutory minimum apprenticeship wage (Mindestausbildungsvergütung) in 2020. In 2025, the minimum starts at around €649 per month in the first year, though many collective agreements (Tarifverträge) pay more. However, in many sectors this remains below what is needed to cover living costs in larger German cities.

Where can I get help if I'm being asked to do tasks outside my training contract?

Contact your trade union (Gewerkschaft) — the DGB affiliates cover most sectors — or speak with your vocational school (Berufsschule), which has a duty of care. You can also contact the Chamber of Commerce (IHK or HWK) that oversees your training contract.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The DGB's 2025 Ausbildungsreport is a timely reminder that doing an Ausbildung in Germany, while a genuine opportunity, is not without its challenges — especially for those without a local support network. If you are an expat or immigrant apprentice feeling the financial or psychological pressure described in the report, you are not alone, and there are concrete steps you can take.

Check whether you are being paid correctly, know your rights regarding working hours and task scope, and do not hesitate to seek advice from a counselling centre before any situation escalates to a point where it affects your residence status.

Source: Tagesschau / DGB Ausbildungsreport 2025