The Bavarian garden, landscaping, and sports field construction industry is experiencing a surge in apprenticeship contracts, signaling a positive trend for the sector’s future workforce. With a 13 percent increase in latest training agreements, the industry is bucking broader trends and demonstrating its appeal to young professionals. This growth is particularly significant given ongoing concerns about skilled labor shortages across Germany and Europe.
The latest figures, released by the Association of Garden, Landscaping and Sports Ground Construction Bavaria (VGL Bayern), reveal a robust commitment to vocational training within the region. This commitment is underscored by the fact that the sector continues to lead in apprenticeship completions, accounting for 69 percent of all new vocational qualifications in 2025. This success is a testament to the collaborative efforts between industry associations, educational institutions, and the Bavarian government to promote careers in GaLaBau – the German term for garden, landscaping, and sports ground construction.
50 likes, 0 comments – vgl_bayern on December 22, 2024: “Schmankerl vor Weihnachten! Weil wir unseren Bayern-Cup so lieben und unsere tolle Fotografin Carolin Tietz @natur.landschaft.garten so fleißig war, hier meine Lieblingsfotos der Azubi-Teams! Viel Spaß beim Durchklicken und zur Erinnerung an unseren tollen Wettbewerb – ihr seid spitze! #BayernCup2024 #WeilwirGalabauLieben”
Reversing a Downward Trend in Apprenticeship Numbers
The increase in apprenticeships marks a reversal of a recent downward trend. After 448 completions in 2023 and 429 in 2024, the industry has successfully boosted the number of new qualifications, demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing recruitment initiatives. As of December 31, 2025, a total of 1,842 aspiring gardeners were enrolled in ongoing, typically three-year vocational training programs, with 1,278 specifically pursuing careers as landscape gardeners. This figure remains relatively stable compared to the 1,284 apprentices in GaLaBau recorded in 2024.
The VGL Bayern plays a crucial role in fostering this growth, organizing events like the Bayern Cup, a professional competition for young landscapers. The 19th Bayern Cup is scheduled for April 29-30, 2026, at the DEULA Bayern educational facility in Freising. The competition will see 18 young men and women, primarily still in training, compete in nine two-person teams, showcasing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as paving, wall construction, and vegetation technology.
DEULA Bayern Provides State-of-the-Art Facilities
Dr. Thomas Wilms, Managing Director of DEULA Bayern GmbH, is providing the facilities for the 2026 Bayern Cup. He emphasized the suitability of the modernized premises, particularly the hall, for ensuring fair conditions and a professional competition environment. DEULA Bayern’s commitment to supporting the next generation of GaLaBau professionals is a key factor in the event’s success. The decision to host the competition at DEULA Bayern was prompted by the absence of a state garden display in Bavaria in 2026, a traditional venue for the Bayern Cup in previous years. The 2025 competition was held on the grounds of the Landesgartenschau in Furth im Wald, as documented by photographer Carolin Tietz.
