Within the framework of the research task on the physical fitness of apprentices the author assessed the standard of somatic and functional development: 1. By means of a questionnaire which was completed with the probands. After consultation with the school medical officer it was revealed that secondary school students are more resistant to intercurrent diseases than apprentices. 2. Some anthropometric parameters were in favour of the students at the 1% and 5% level of significance. 3. By means of anthropometric parameters somatotypes of apprentices (n = 230) were assessed and somatotypes of students (n = 196). The apprentices have somatotypes with a predominant endomorphic component. The students have a lower body fat ratio and belong thus among somatotypes with a predominating ectomorphic component are are more physically fit. 4. The students have the lowest age of menarche, but essentially there are no great differences between the mean age of menarche between students and apprentices. The menstrual cycle of apprentices is regular in 89.56% and in students in 88.77%. During menstrual bleeding the apprentices suffer in 44.22% from restlessness, poorer concentration and dislike of work. The mental state of the students is more stable. The investigation is still continuing.