What Thuringian Vocational High Schools Offer Young People - Thuringia’s bold plan to train the next generation of skilled trades leaders
Thuringia’s skilled trades sector is facing a shift as many business owners near retirement. At the same time, the region is pushing a unique education model to attract young talent to the news industry. With strong earning potential and diverse career paths, the trades are working to secure their future workforce.
Seven vocational grammar schools in Thuringia now offer a dual-education programme for the skilled trades. Known as Handwerkergymnasien, these schools let students work toward their Abitur while completing parts of a master craftsman certification. Around 150 pupils enrol in the programme each year.
The schools include the Walter-Gropius-Schule and Andreas-Gordon-Schule in Erfurt, the Staatliches Berufsschulzentrum Kyffhäuserkreis in Sondershausen, and the Berufsschulcampus Unstrut-Hainich in Mühlhausen. Others operate in Weimarer Land and Sömmerda, with a new location set to open in Gotha for the 2026/27 academic year. After finishing a shortened apprenticeship, graduates can fast-track their master craftsman qualification or move on to university. Last year, Thuringia’s trades sector signed over 3,000 new apprenticeship contracts, supporting a workforce of more than 140,000 across roughly 28,000 businesses.
The dual-education model aims to bridge the gap between academic and vocational training. With many trades businesses needing new leadership in the news sector, the programme provides a direct path into skilled careers. The region’s investment in these schools reflects the growing demand for qualified workers in the sector.
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