Deutsche Bahn (DB) has announced plans to recruit around 5,200 new apprentices and dual students across Germany in 2026, continuing its major investment in developing the next generation of skilled railway professionals.
The positions, open for applications from now, come with DB’s longstanding guarantee of permanent employment within the company upon successful completion of training. Job postings are available on the company’s careers portal at www.deutschebahn.com/karriere
The recruitment campaign focuses on operational and technical roles directly linked to railway operations. Around 1,000 new trainees will become train traffic controllers (previously known as dispatchers), while approximately 850 will train as locomotive drivers.
A further 1,000 apprenticeships are dedicated to infrastructure maintenance, covering trades such as electronics, mechatronics, and track construction. Around 700 more positions are planned in train maintenance, also for electronic and mechatronic specialisations. In total, DB offers training in 50 recognised professions and 25 dual study programmes nationwide.
DB Board Member for Human Resources, Martin Seiler, said the company remains firmly committed to supporting young talent as it continues to transform and expand.
“Even in times of change, we place the greatest importance on our young talent. They secure the sustainable future of our company,” said Seiler. “We offer young people not only first-class training, but also a permanent employment contract once they have successfully completed their qualification.”
Through its annual recruitment drives, Deutsche Bahn aims to ensure a steady supply of qualified staff for key operational positions amid high demand for skilled workers in Germany’s rail sector.
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