With over 33,000 apprenticeships waiting to be taken up, German businesses are looking away from Germany for people to fill those vacancies, and specifically, they're looking for people from the UK.
In fact, the German government is launching a £120 million drive to recruit hundreds of Britons away from the UK and into three-year apprenticeships with German companies - all expenses paid.
But there's more than just the expenses involved: successful applicants will receive a refund of relocation costs, two free visits back to the UK every year and, of course, training at one of Germany's well-respected vocational schools.
There's also 170 hours of free language lessons and wages of nearly £700 a month - after tax. That's in contrast to the UK apprenticeship minimum wage, which works out to around £345 a month for those apprentices aged 18 and under. For those aged over 21, that minimum would be £785 a month - before tax.
Candidates have to be educated to A-level standard, and should be aged between 18 and 35.
Wulf Schroeter, from the International Business Academy, running the scheme here in the UK, says: “Generally, the brightest youngsters don’t like to be unemployed.
“Therefore they wouldn’t leave their country if there are enough alternatives.
“It’s the job of the governments everywhere to establish conditions for the economy to invest their money and create jobs.”
And Bob Bischof, from the German-British Chamber of Industry and Commerce, says: “This is a great offer for young Britons to get top-flight training in Germany.
“We hope many of those who come over will like the life, maybe meet a German partner, and stay for good.
“It means British employers will have to try harder to get the best young apprentices as it is more competition.”
