Approximately 1140 learning opportunities remain untapped
In the German state of Hesse, a surprising predicament has emerged: despite a significant increase in applications, many apprenticeship positions remain unfilled. The Hessian Employment Agency has reported that there are 11,400 positions still available in training programs across various industries.
The root of the problem, according to the agency, is a mismatch between the offered positions and the qualifications or career aspirations of the applicants. This disconnect can lead to vacancies persisting, even when many apply.
To combat this issue, effective strategies are being implemented. For applicants, registering officially as training seekers with local employment agencies or job centers can be beneficial. This status is recognized and supported by institutions such as the German pension insurance in Hesse, ensuring proper recognition of their search period and aiding in finding a matching apprenticeship.
Employers are also taking steps to reach potential apprentices. Cooperation with training platforms, career fairs, and vocational guidance services is crucial. Large companies, like Procter & Gamble, are offering clear apprenticeship listings in regions like Kronberg, Hesse, which help attract motivated candidates.
Presenting the apprenticeship on social media is also considered crucial for finding good apprentices, as stated by Holm Pfeiffer. Direct contact with young people at job fairs is equally important, as mentioned by the same source. Early advertising of apprentice positions is also emphasised as a key strategy.
However, economic uncertainty is causing businesses to be cautious about offering apprentice positions, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
Despite the challenges, some businesses are thriving. A carpentry workshop in Aßlar, Pfeiffer, for instance, has no trouble finding suitable applicants and will be taking on two carpentry apprentices and one commercial apprentice this year.
As of now, there are no reported plans or initiatives to address the unfilled positions on a larger scale. However, the emphasis on targeted search assistance and employer outreach offers hope for a more efficient matching process in the future.
- To better align with the available apprenticeship positions, individuals might consider focusing on education-and-self-development in fields like carpentry or commercial sectors, as these seem to have fewer vacancies.
- Embracing career-development through learning and skills-training in sought-after industries, such as those supported by large companies like Procter & Gamble, may improve an individual's chances of securing an apprenticeship.
