Due to the changeover from G8 to G9, the GFWS advises Grevenbroich companies and businesses to look for applicants for apprenticeships at an early stage.

In the coming year, there will be a significant drop in the number of pupils leaving grammar school with the Abitur in NRW due to the changeover from G8 to G9. The reason for this is the switch from G8, the eight-year grammar school with Abitur after 12 school years, to G9, the nine-year grammar school with Abitur after 13 school years.

The first G9 cohort will not graduate from the Gymnasium until 2027, meaning that there will be a complete Gymnasium cohort missing from the training and labour market – for Grevenbroich, this means around 230 fewer Abitur graduates than in 2025.

Companies that rely on high school graduates as applicants for apprenticeships and dual study programmes will face a massive shortage of applicants in 2026. They will have to adjust to increased competition for school leavers and adapt their recruitment programmes.

The GFWS recommends taking care of this at an early stage and intensifying training marketing and cooperation with comprehensive schools and vocational colleges.

The GFWS recommends taking care of this at an early stage and intensifying training marketing and cooperation with comprehensive schools and vocational colleges. Companies are also welcome to use the job exchange or to take part in the internship week!