Germany's Youth Education System Leaves Millions Unschooled
"Skilled Workers Still Elusive" Why Germany's Youth Struggle to Secure Vocational Training
By Caroline Amme
Just the Facts:- 1.6 million young Germans lack vocational training and a university degree- Over 730,000 skilled workers are needed nationwide, increasing to 730,000 by 2027- 71% of companies advertise training opportunities on Facebook; only 25% of young people look there
Crux of the Issue:It's a familiar scenario: millions of young Germans are missing out on crucial vocational training, leaving the country in desperate need of skilled workers. With over 530,000 qualified vacancies across the nation, this shortage continues to grow. But why are so many young adults in this predicament, and what can be done to turn the tide?
High Numbers in Untrained IndividualsAccording to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), around 1.6 million 20- to 34-year-olds lack formal vocational training. That's a staggering number. And every year, the figure rises. Over the past 12 years, 460,000 young people without qualifications have been added to the mix.
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) provides a bit of perspective. In their estimation, nearly 2.8 million young adults are not vocationally trained. Approximately one in five young people falls into this category. The difference between the IAB's and the BIBB's national statistics arises from the fact that the former only considers employed individuals, while the latter calculates figures based on the total number of young adults in a given age group.
Roots of the ProblemThe issue starts at school. Each year, thousands of students complete their education without a certificate. In 2021, a staggering 47,500 young people did not even finish their main school leaving certificate. That amounts to approximately 6% of all students. And without a school leaving certificate, the odds of landing an apprenticeship contract take a hit. In fact, according to the Report on Vocational Training, 75% of young people without vocational training also lack this basic qualification.
Migrants and BeyondAnother significant factor is migration. Roughly 45% of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from asylum countries like Syria or Afghanistan have no vocational training. The proportion has also increased among young people from other EU countries and, albeit more moderately, among young Germans.
Professor Enzo Weber, an IAB expert, emphasizes that this doesn't signal that migrants are less educated. Instead, it reflects the fact that many individuals from diverse academic backgrounds struggle to navigate the unique German vocational training system. He underscores the importance of strengthening integration into the labor market.
Boosting Training OpportunitiesOne avenue to address the shortage of apprenticeships lies in expanding flexible training programs. Enabling young people to complete certain modules parallel to their job could better equip them with the skills they need for long-term success, paving the way for a qualified degree after several years.
Improved career guidance and career orientation are also crucial. A stronger presence of companies in schools and at fairs can offer young people valuable insights and opportunities to connect with future employers. Online communication platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok provide further channels to reach potential apprentices and showcase the range of exciting training professions available.
A Bright FutureGermany's skilled worker crisis isn't an insurmountable challenge. Through targeted actions like strengthening vocational training programs, better integrating migrants and those with diverse educational backgrounds, and reaching out to young people in innovative ways, the country can bridge the gap and maintain its economic strength. It's time to create a future where every young person has the opportunity to succeed in their chosen field.
Sources:
- Institute of the German Economy
- Bertelsmann Foundation
- Social Networks
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Apprentices
- Universities
- Application
- School
- Occupation
- IAB
- ntv
- DIHK
- Bertelsmann Foundation and the Institute of the German Economy
- Community aid could be crucial in providing vocational training to young Germans who are struggling to secure it, thereby helping to bridge the gap and alleviate the country's skilled worker crisis.
- Vocational training, vocational training, vocational training, and vocational training are all key to Germany's success, especially in light of the urgent need for over 730,000 skilled workers by 2027.
- Personal growth and learning can be facilitated through vocational training, which can empower young people to reach their full potential and contribute to Germany's economic strength.
- In response to the lack of vocational training among young people, urban areas could leverage digital platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok to raise awareness about education-and-self-development opportunities and foster a sense of connection with potential apprenticeships and employers.
