Youth Education Program 2026 Interested in learning?

Do you want to take action on the issues that matter to you— at work, at college, and in society? Are you interested in what holds the world together from within? How our economy works? What rights apprentices, (dual) students, and employees have? How these rights can be put into practice? What Europe means?

Do you want to expand your political skills? Or your public speaking skills? Or both? Are you interested in exploring our working and living conditions in greater depth? Globalization? History? Or how the media works?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Because union-led youth education offers you all of that—and much more. And there’s plenty of opportunity for community as well: In addition to learning about the subject matter, it’s always about meeting new people, exchanging ideas, and networking.

How do I find the right seminar?

The youth education program provides a good overview: Each seminar is presented individually—with dates, locations, and information on the target audience and options for time off from work. Once you’ve found a seminar, contact your local IG Metall office. They’ll coordinate your registration and help you arrange time off from work.

Will I be granted time off?

Anyone can attend seminars and is eligible for time off under the educational leave laws of the federal states. Our members from Bavaria and Saxony can also take advantage of the provisions in the framework collective bargaining agreement for the metal and electrical industries. For members of the Youth and Apprentice Representative Committee (JAV), Sections 37.6 and 37.7 of the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) govern time off.

Who pays for the seminar?

The costs for seminars are covered in consultation with the relevant IG Metall office. For JAV representatives, the employer must cover the seminar and travel costs: Sections 40.1 and 65.1 of the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) jointly govern the employer’s assumption of these costs.

Where can I attend the seminars?

Our nationwide youth seminars take place at two locations: the Schliersee Youth Education Center and the Sprockhövel Education Center. Although the two seminar locations—in Upper Bavaria and the Ruhr region—are geographically far apart, they work closely together.

Getting Started

If you have any questions, your local IG Metall chapter can help. There, apprentices and employees can get plenty of advice and—if the employer puts up a fight—the necessary support.