World of Work & Education // July 2025
While artificial intelligence is transforming knowledge-based work and shaking up entire academic programs, a traditional form of education is experiencing a renaissance: dual vocational training. Especially in the field of IT and software development — for example, in the training to become an IT specialist — new opportunities are emerging that haven’t been this clear in a long time.
But what’s behind this "comeback of apprenticeships"?
Why is training to become an IT specialist suddenly more attractive than ever?
And what does this mean for young people standing at the crossroads between university and vocational training?
The Numbers Speak for Themselves – and Against Old Assumptions
The statistics reveal a dramatic shift: In the 1950s, there were about 75 apprentices for every 10 university graduates. Today, that number has dropped to just 4.3. For decades, a university degree was seen as the safest path to social status and financial security.
But now, doubts are growing. According to a recent survey by Indeed, 67% of students said that, in hindsight, they would at least partly have preferred to pursue vocational training. And more and more young people are experiencing firsthand that an academic degree no longer automatically jumpstarts a career — especially in the shadow of digitalization.
AI Is Changing the Job Market – and Expectations for Entry-Level Workers
Junior positions, once a stepping stone into companies, are increasingly disappearing. Why? AI agents are taking over more and more standardized tasks such as research, data analysis, and categorization — tasks that are still being taught in many university programs. As a result, demand for these skills is declining.
Deloitte expert Sebastian Pfeifle sums it up clearly:
"What universities are still teaching is already being handled by AI in practice."
The Weizenbaum Institute sees a major opportunity here for hands-on, practical education. Their studies show: Those who learn to work with new technologies early on — such as through dual vocational training — develop relevant skills much faster than those who are trained purely theoretically.
IT Specialists: The Stars of the New Working World
Among all vocational training paths, one stands out in particular: IT Specialist.
Whether in application development, systems integration, or data and process analysis, this profession now represents future-readiness, job security, and innovation.
Why?
High Demand:
IT professionals are in short supply. According to Bitkom, Germany currently lacks over 150,000 qualified IT specialists.Strong Salary:
Even during training, IT specialists earn an average of €1,100 to €1,200 gross per month — with excellent opportunities for advancement afterward.Global Opportunities:
IT is a global language. IT specialists can work remotely or pursue international careers.Stability Despite AI:
Unlike many academic fields, this training is highly practical. IT specialists learn how to work with AI, not how to be replaced by it.
Vocational Training in 2025: Not a Plan B, But a Strategic Career Path
A modern training company today looks very different from 20 years ago. Many businesses — especially in the IT sector — now offer:
Agile project work
Access to real client projects
Training in AI, cloud computing, DevOps, and modern frameworks
Hybrid working models
Career paths that lead all the way to project management or even CTO roles
Oliver Otto, CEO of the Bremen-based IT company genese.de, puts it this way:
"Our trainees write production-ready code after just three months. After a year, they’re responsible for their own modules. A computer science degree often takes five years to get there — with a completely different level of practical relevance."
Universities and Companies Need to Rethink
The challenge lies in preparing both students and apprentices for the new realities of the job market. Instead of clinging to the old mindset (“university = better”), what’s needed now is:
- More visibility for vocational career paths
- Stronger partnerships between schools and companies
- Integration of digital technologies into curricula — including at vocational schools
- Greater appreciation for vocational education in public discourse
Virginia Sondergeld from the Indeed Hiring Lab warns:
"If we don’t show young people how valuable vocational training is, we risk losing an entire generation of potential professionals."
Conclusion: Those Who Want to Shape the Future Must Rethink the Present
The era in which a university degree was the only path to a successful career is over. Dual vocational training — especially in IT — is not just equivalent, but in many ways superior: hands-on, innovation-driven, and future-proof.
Choosing to train as an IT specialist isn't turning away from the future — it's choosing to be actively involved in shaping it, instead of passively waiting for opportunities to come.
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