Apprentices are individuals undergoing training in officially recognized professions in Germany (currently around 340), as well as related occupational specializations. In other words, they are people completing practical vocational training.

According to the German Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz, BBiG), which regulates company-based training, including in enterprises and training centers, the term “trainee” is used for them. This group also includes a large number of so-called “volunteers”.

The BBiG defines two main types of vocational training:

• “school-based training” carried out in specialized schools and training centers, mainly in fields such as education, administration, design, and healthcare;

• “dual training”, which directly combines classes at a vocational school (Berufsschule) with practical training in a company or enterprise.

The supervisory board of the Berlin-Brandenburg Transport Association (VBB) has approved the introduction of the “Deutschlandticket Zuschuss-Ausbildung” program, which предусматривает a monthly subscription price of €37.80. This initiative will provide significant savings on transport costs for the mentioned groups. The tariff was developed in close cooperation with the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK Berlin) and the Berlin Chamber of Crafts (HWK Berlin).

The discounted ticket will be valid throughout Germany and can be used for both training and personal purposes. Sales for apprentices in the Berlin metropolitan region are scheduled to start on June 1, 2026. In the state of Brandenburg, the offer is expected to become available around July 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of the new training year.

The discount will amount to 40% compared to the standard Deutschlandticket price and corresponds to the student discount available with the Deutschlandsemesterticket. Apprentices in dual training are expected to receive this ticket discount through their training companies under the “Deutschlandticket Job” program.

Thus, apprentices and volunteers in vocational education are effectively placed on an equal footing with university students.

It is also important to note that the additional costs for apprentices in school-based training in Berlin and Brandenburg will be partially covered by the authorities of these federal states. Furthermore, in Berlin, trainees preparing for public service (category 1 – public administration tasks) will also be eligible for the discounted ticket.

More information:

https://www.vbb.de/abonnements/ausbildung/deutschlandticket-zuschuss-ausbildung/