Germany’s Vocational Schools Face Collapse as Teacher Shortage Worsens by 2030

Vocational schools across Germany are grappling with a severe news shortage. The crisis is intensifying as nearly half of current educators are poised to retire by 2030. With too few new news entering the field, schools and industries are battling to maintain quality training.

The problem is multifaceted. An aging workforce, competition from other professions, and rising student numbers have strained resources. The Standing Conference of Education Ministers predicts a 50,500-teacher shortfall between 2025 and 2035. Yet only around 2,000 new vocational educators are trained each year—far short of what’s required.

The lack of staff is already causing disruptions. Classes are being cancelled, and training quality is deteriorating. Businesses and vocational associations have called for urgent action, advocating for more investment in teacher training. One partial solution has been training career changers and lateral entrants. Since July 1, 2024, a revised framework for the Ausbildereignungsprüfung (AEVO) has been implemented. The IHK now offers expanded 2026 programs, including AEVO prep courses, legal seminars, and role-specific trainer training. Some participants can receive subsidies of up to 70%. However, broader 2026 reforms center mainly on higher apprentice pay and modernised training—not on major new initiatives for teacher education beyond existing IHK and DIHK support.

Without significant changes, the news shortage will continue to harm vocational education. Schools and industries will face ongoing cancellations and reduced training standards. The current measures, while beneficial, may not be sufficient to close the widening gap in time.