Deutsche Bahn is looking for 5,200 trainees: opportunities despite the crisis!

Deutsche Bahn is looking for 5,200 trainees: opportunities despite the crisis!

Deutsche Bahn will also bring a breath of fresh air to the training market next year: around 5,200 new trainees will join the group in 2026. This means that there are around 500 fewer than in the current year, but the guarantee of employment for successful graduates remains - a ray of hope for school leavers who want to pursue a career in the railways. The training opportunities are diverse and are aimed primarily at school leavers who want to enter an operational career. np-coburg.de reports that among the new trainees there are around 1,000 aspiring train traffic controllers and 850 train drivers.

Behind this step is the new railway boss Evelyn Palla, who plans to make the central administration more efficient. However, this measure could result in painful job cuts. The railway is currently in an operational and economic crisis, which has already led to a restructuring program that cut thousands of jobs under its predecessor Richard Lutz. Nevertheless, the operational area responsible for train operations remains a key focus area where capacities are to be expanded.

Diverse training occupations

But which professions are waiting for the new trainees? Deutsche Bahn offers a wide range of apprenticeships. Every year, over 3,500 school leavers and dual students are accepted into more than 50 apprenticeships and 25 dual study programs. These include, for example, electronics engineers, train drivers, track fitters, but also professions such as system caterers and civil engineers. The commercial and technical professions from which most trainees can benefit are particularly popular. Deutschebahn.com informs across the wide range of career options.

A special highlight of the training is the one-week outdoor training that all trainees complete in their first year of training. In addition, DB trainees have been involved in the “Railway Trainees Against Hatred and Violence” project since 2000, which makes an important social contribution.

Opportunities for everyone!

Another exciting program is “Chance plus”, which enables up to 300 young people to receive vocational training every year and has been expanded to include young refugees since 2015. With innovative methods such as virtual reality glasses on job boards and an online tool called Job Profiler, Deutsche Bahn stays ahead of the times in its search for talent. The great rush is also reflected in the number of applications: in 2024, around 120,000 applications were received for training positions across the entire DB Group. ib.deutschebahn.com reports from the high numbers and the quality of the training offers.

Deutsche Bahn is on the right track to continue training efficient and motivated specialists in the future. With a clear focus on operational business and a variety of offerings, the railway will continue to offer attractive prospects for young people. A good knack for future talent is not only reflected in training, but also in the constant development of the training professions.