Azubis

Azubi is the colloquial German term for an apprentice or trainee who is undergoing structured vocational training, usually in a company. The plural form is Azubis. The term is widely used in Germany and, to a lesser extent, in Austria and parts of Switzerland, for trainees in crafts, industry, commerce and services.

In the German dual system, training combines on‑the‑job learning with part‑time attendance at a vocational school (Berufsschule). The duration depends on the occupation and prior education, typically two to three and a half years. After successful exams, graduates receive a nationally recognized qualification, enabling entry into the labor market or progression to further studies. Austria and Switzerland operate similar dual systems with country‑specific qualifications.

Legally, apprentices sign a training contract governed by national rules (in Germany, the Vocational Training Act, BBiG). Apprentices have defined working hours, rights and obligations, and access to examinations. They usually receive an Ausbildungsgeld or Ausbildungsvergütung (apprenticeship wage), which is often set by collective agreements and increases with tenure. Training is supervised by professional bodies, such as the Industrie- und Handelskammer (IHK) or Handwerkskammer (HWK) in Germany.

Outcomes and trends: A large share of Azubis remains with their training employer after graduation, but not all complete or stay in the same company. Apprenticeship remains a major pathway to skilled employment and a response to youth unemployment, alongside higher education. Current challenges include regional disparities, evolving skill demands due to digitization, and the need to attract more young people to certain occupations.