A transatlantic dialogue on the future of vocational training

In an era of shifting economic and trade policies and the rapid development of artificial intelligence, dialogue between Germany and the US is of crucial relevance.

Professor Hubert Ertl, Research Director and Deputy President of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), opened the event by providing an overview of the current challenges facing German vocational education and training. Dr Hannelore Kress, spokesperson for the GOVET vocational education and training cooperation team, gave a brief overview of the history of bilateral cooperation with the US.

The growth of practice-oriented vocational education and training in the US

The USA is witnessing the dynamic growth of a model of practical vocational training, also known as apprenticeship. The number of trainees increased from nearly 287,000 in 2023 to over 680,000 in 2024. In total, around 112,000 apprentices completed their training in the same year — an impressive increase of 143 per cent compared to ten years ago. The proportion of prospective skilled workers in health and education is growing, as is the case in traditional construction and technical professions. The good earning potential is a key attraction for many. Many start with an hourly wage of around $18, rising to over $32 after completing their training – a wage increase of around 77 per cent.

German companies are driving development. They invest around 600 billion US dollars in the USA. They face numerous challenges, such as trade uncertainties, tariffs and labour shortages, which require new solutions. Many companies initially had to adapt.

The model of practical vocational training, also known as apprenticeship, is growing dynamically in the USA. The number of trainees rose from almost 287,000 in 2023 to over 680,000 active trainees in 2024. In total, around 112,000 apprentices completed their training in the same year – an impressive increase of 143 percent compared to ten years ago. The proportion of prospective skilled workers in the health and education professions is growing, as is the case in the traditional construction professions and in the technical professions. Among other things, the good earning potential is convincing for many. Many start with an hourly wage of around $18 and rise to over $32 after completing their training, which corresponds to a wage increase of around 77 per cent.

German companies as drivers of development

German companies invest around 600 billion US dollars in the USA. They face numerous challenges, as trade uncertainties, tariffs and labour shortages require new solutions. Many companies first had to take a breather, but according to Mario Kratsch, Vice President of the German-American Chamber of Commerce in the Midwest, Inc., there is light at the end of the tunnel and, in small but steady steps, American member companies are once again seeing the need to invest in the development of trainees. This is not traditionally part of the private sector's recruitment policy. The dual training system is considered a model of success in the USA. Every year, the AHK honours companies that are particularly committed to this system. Kratsch revealed that this year's award winner is agricultural machinery manufacturer Claas in Omaha, Nebraska. The German company focuses on developing qualified talent and advancing modern training models. In general, however, the AHK deputy head emphasises that it is not just about training in the USA, but that companies are looking for ‘hands’, people who want to work. The support of the current US administration is an important signal in the fight against the shortage of skilled workers.

Donald Trump focuses on the practice-oriented training model

In April 2025, Donald Trump declared in an executive order: ‘My administration will continue to secure and strengthen apprenticeships and build on their successes to seize new opportunities and unleash the boundless potential of the American worker.’ During his first term in office, he had already successfully established dual vocational training as part of US labour market policy.

As part of the German Embassy in Washington's Skills Initiative, stakeholders from the US economy and chambers of commerce meet regularly to discuss training model issues. Jean Pierre Froehly, Head of the Embassy's Economic and Financial Department, explained how the initiative will now also support rural regions of the US – for example, through new investments in Oklahoma by companies such as Lufthansa and NextEra Energy.

Another key topic of the webinar was data-based labour market policy, which was addressed by Dr Ellie Hartman, Chief Evaluation Officer at the Bureau of Workforce Information and Technical Support (BWITS) in the state of Wisconsin. She described the logic behind the surveys and how training programmes can be tailored to fit, ideally starting in primary schools and high schools. Active, direct contact with companies is important. It is important to engage with them to find out how training programmes should be designed and to work together with community colleges (including centres of excellence for vocational training). She sees a shift from an understanding of ‘work’ to an understanding of “economy”; this would place more responsibility on companies to train and then retain employees in order to see their ‘investments’ grow. However, she also believes that creating better conditions for trainees, such as childcare, transport and affordable housing, is important for the success of the model in Wisconsin. She says that good progress has been made in this area under the previous government with its major infrastructure funding

Challenges and opportunities in practice

As head of administration at the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology in Jamison, Pennsylvania, Dr Mark Covelle confirmed the growing momentum in training figures. He said he no longer knew where to build. However, he needed more teaching staff to be able to meet the growing demand for skilled workers for companies. As far as the introduction of artificial intelligence is concerned, it should be noted that more and more office and administrative jobs will disappear, but technical and social professions will continue to offer good career prospects in the long term.

Summary and outlook

In conclusion, Professor Hubert Ertl stated that in times of transformation and artificial intelligence, it is important to continue the transatlantic dialogue on vocational training.