Germany: Occupational choices of youths remain unchanged

In early 2014, new data were published on young people's transitions from school to the vocational training market. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training recorded 530,715 new contracts between October 2012 and September 2013. However, young people's occupational choices have not changed much over the past few years and remain limited, with young men often taking up apprentices in technical roles and young women entering sales, administrative or service professions. Occupational choices are of major importance when it comes to pay prospects and employment opportunities later in life.