The First Chamber of Commerce Apprenticeship Fair in Virtual Reality

The Virtuelle Hanseatische Lehrstellenbörse (Virtual Hanseatic Apprenticeship Fair) is a new world where companies and students come together in new ways. Discover how virtual reality is changing the job search and helping companies present their apprenticeships in an exciting, interactive way. Launched by the Handelskammer Hamburg (Hamburg Chamber of Commerce), it has been up and running since September 2025. Learn more at vhlb.de (in German).

For many companies, the shortage of skilled workers is one of the most pressing issues, especially when it comes to apprenticeships. Many apprenticeship positions in Hamburg remain unfilled. To tackle this problem, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce organizes the Hanseatische Lehrstellenbörse (Hanseatic Apprenticeship Fair) every year. At this two-day fair in 2026, around 70 training companies and institutions (in German) presented themselves and informed more than 6,500 students about their apprenticeship positions.

Since September 23, 2025, the apprenticeship fair has also been available in virtual reality. According to the Chamber (in German), this makes the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce the first chamber of industry and commerce in Germany with a fully virtual apprenticeship fair. We developed it and we operate it. Companies present their apprenticeships there in an interactive VR environment. The first exhibitors were Aurubis, Hamburger Hochbahn, and Tesa. Since then, Helm, Holborn, Asklepios, Strabag, Hamburg Port Authority, CMA CGM, and Edeka, among others, have joined.

A new kind of recruiting offer

Our project features a virtual twin of the Chamber of Commerce building, where companies can book booths and present themselves just as at the real fair. But the VR world goes even further: companies can integrate 360° videos, interactive job simulators, or even virtual job interviews into their showrooms. For companies, this means a much more engaging presentation of their apprenticeship trades and opportunities, without major logistical effort.

Visit the Virtual Hanseatic Apprenticeship Fair: vhlb.de (in German)

Project page on the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce website (in German)

The big advantage: more reach without more effort

Throughout the year, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce sends its career orientation managers to all schools in Hamburg. They bring a class set of 25 VR headsets with them. This lets students view the virtual fair and explore the companies’ apprenticeship offerings. For exhibitors, this adds up to a reach of around 170 school classes with 3,500 students per year. On top of that, the virtual apprenticeship fair is shown at 25 career fairs in the greater Hamburg area. Altogether, that comes to around 6,000 students per year. For companies, this means significant additional, targeted reach, without any extra time or staff.

Supporting the local economy

The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce also sees this project as a way to promote digitalization in Hamburg as a business location. Because the Chamber commissioned the base app for the exhibitors, they only need to invest in their content. They are also free to use their virtual company presence elsewhere. The Chamber also supports getting started with a grant. Current prices and terms are listed on vhlb.de (in German). A pragmatic and lasting form of support.

Large and small companies welcome

The Virtual Hanseatic Apprenticeship Fair offers suitable options for companies of every size. Small businesses can get started with an affordable booth, while larger companies can book an extensive showroom that they can customize flexibly. Even custom programming is possible to fulfill every creative wish.

The best part: these 360° videos and showrooms can also be used independently of the apprenticeship fair, for example on a company’s own VR headsets at other traditional trade shows. This lets companies get long-term value from their investment and continue to expand their digital presence. Securing skilled workers and supporting the local economy go hand in hand here.

Media coverage

The Virtual Hanseatic Apprenticeship Fair has been covered by NDR Hamburg Journal, SAT.1 Regional, and RTL Nord, among others.

A look into the future

With the virtual apprenticeship fair, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce is taking a big step toward digitalization and embracing new ways to fight the shortage of skilled workers. For you as a company, this means significantly greater reach, more sustainable recruiting processes, and fewer resources spent. This forward-looking solution offers opportunities for everyone looking for new talent, and at the same time it is an exciting entry point into the world of virtual reality.

Interested? Then let’s talk!