A firm's expectation about the future business cycle is an important determinant of the decision to train apprentices. As German firms typically train apprentices to either fill future skilled worker positions, or as a substitute for other types of labor, the current coronavirus crisis will have...

By exploiting a labor market reform causing an outflow of German workers to Switzerland, we examine the effect of negative labor supply shocks on training in firms using the market for apprenticeships as an example. Analysis of administrative data reveals that the reform led to more apprentices...

Apprenticeship training programs typically last several years and require substantial investments by training firms, largely due to the associated labor costs for participants and instructors. Nevertheless, apprentices also add significant value in the workplace. One tool to measure the costs...