Since the 2016/17 school year, youths must remain in education or training until age 18. Options include secondary school, apprenticeships, or exam prep. Social Minister Korinna Schumann reports 36,000 youths were supported, with an 86 percent success rate.
Support for dropouts is provided by youth coaching, the AMS, and regional offices. Coordination offices contact those inactive for three months. Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr noted mandatory perspective talks for at-risk ninth graders began in 2026/27.
Legal guardians face fines of 100 to 500 euros for initial violations of the training requirement. Repeat offenses can result in penalties up to 1,000 euros. These measures ensure youths with assistance needs access specific offers to complete their training.