Greens propose voluntary year in the skilled trades

A voluntary year in the skilled trades should make it easier for young people and young adults in Saxony to find a career. The Green parliamentary group has tabled a motion to this effect in the state parliament. At the start of the 2026 training year, 120 places are to be made available in various skilled trades for young people up to the age of 23. As with existing voluntary services, a duration of three to twelve months is envisaged.

"In this way, we are specifically supporting skilled trades companies in recruiting young talent and offering young people practical career guidance," said Franziska Schubert, Chairwoman of the parliamentary group, according to a press release. The problem of finding suitable trainees, skilled workers and successors is growing. "If we do nothing, important skills and apprenticeships in Saxony are at risk of being lost." Young people have the opportunity to discover their own strengths and make an informed decision about their professional future.

The voluntary year is intended to serve as a model for a program in the Lübeck Chamber of Crafts district, in which participants get to know four training occupations within a year. Since its launch in June 2024, there has been high demand from both young people and companies.