Education is the key to the future. Especially now.

Duisburg, 25 August 2026.

Rising costs, increasing bureaucracy, a shortage of skilled workers and a continuing difficult economic situation are posing major challenges for many small and medium-sized enterprises.

For the Frank Schwarz Gastro Group (FSGG), however, this is no reason to cut back on training young people. On the contrary:

The Duisburg-based family business remains firmly committed to dual vocational training in 2026 and is welcoming six new trainees to its ‘FSGG Talent Academy’.

“Especially when the economic situation is anything but rosy, we must not skimp on the next generation,”says entrepreneur Frank Schwarz.

“Anyone who fails to provide training today because of economic uncertainty should not be surprised tomorrow when there is a shortage of skilled workers.”

For Schwarz, dual vocational training is far more than just a means of securing the company’s own pool of young skilled workers.

It is one of the great strengths of the German social market economy: companies take responsibility, invest time, money and expertise, and in return offer young people concrete career prospects.

“Apprenticeships embody both the market economy in practice and social responsibility.

It gets young people into work, creates opportunities for advancement and combats youth unemployment and a lack of prospects.

At the same time, it ensures that knowledge, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial skills are passed on to the next generation.”

However, this also requires a political framework that strengthens training companies rather than placing additional burdens on them.

Small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, must be given more leeway once again to focus on what their actual role is: training, employing, investing and running their businesses.

“We cannot, on the one hand, complain about a shortage of skilled workers and, on the other, burden those very companies with ever-increasing regulations,

costs and bureaucratic requirements – that are taking practical steps every morning to tackle this problem,” emphasises Schwarz.

“If you want apprenticeships, you must strengthen training companies.

For me, this is not a matter of empty rhetoric, but an economic necessity.”

Schwarz also believes the sector itself bears responsibility.

Careers in the hospitality sector have a great deal to offer young people: teamwork, creativity, practical skills, an international outlook, responsibility and a wide range of career and development opportunities.

“We must once again convey to young people that a dual vocational training programme is not a second-best option compared to a university degree.

A good vocational qualification is a strong foundation for a self-determined life – and can be the start of a brilliant career.

Our country doesn’t just need academics. It equally needs chefs, event managers, bakers, craftspeople, technicians and many other highly skilled professionals.”

That is why the Frank Schwarz Gastro Group will continue to provide training in 2026.

Sara, Fanienne, Damien, Lukas, Dufran and Yanka are joining the Duisburg-based company’s team of young talent.

Training is provided in areas including catering and event management.

Together with his wife Christine Schwarz, Head Chef Roger Achterath, the FSGG management team led by Sven Schwarz and Branko Cucic, the trainers and the entire team, Frank Schwarz welcomes the new colleagues.

The second- and third-year apprentices play a special role in this, helping their new colleagues settle in.

“I’m particularly proud of that,” says Schwarz. “The young people we welcomed ourselves just one or two years ago are suddenly the ones providing reassurance to the newcomers, passing on their experience and taking on responsibility.

That’sexactly how training works – and that’s exactly how the future is shaped.”

For the FSGG, therefore, training means far more than simply teaching a trade.

It is about discovering talent, passing on knowledge, encouraging a willingness to perform, placing trust in others and showing young people that hard work pays off.

Schwarz is therefore also making an appeal to the business and political communities:

“Despite difficult times, we as business leaders must not stop giving young people opportunities.

But politicians must also ensure that those who create jobs and fund apprenticeships receive greater support once again.

A strong economy, a strong dual vocational training system and a self-confident young generation go hand in hand.”

And he adds:

“Every apprenticeship place is an investment – not just for our businesses, but in our society and in our country’s economic future.

We, for our part, are not giving up. We’re continuing to provide apprenticeships. Out of conviction.”

Apprenticeships remain the way forward. Especially now.