Apprenticeship speed-dating events are emerging as an effective solution to Germany’s growing skills shortage.

Yannick Klein, 20, discovered his career path after attending a speed-dating-style session in Düsseldorf, where young people and companies meet face-to-face instead of relying on traditional written applications.

For firms like the mid-sized manufacturer W+W Elevator Components, such events help address the roughly 70,000 unfilled apprenticeship positions nationwide by allowing recruiters to quickly assess motivation and fit.

After a trial internship arranged at the event, Klein secured an apprenticeship contract as a warehouse clerk, highlighting how personal contact and practical testing can benefit both employers and future skilled workers.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.