Unprecedented Number of Young Germans Remain Unschooled or Undereducated
By Caroline Amme Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link More and more young people in Germany are finding themselves without vocational training or a university degree. This issue, which has been steadily worsening, poses a significant problem for the country as skilled workers are desperately needed. However, some straightforward solutions can help.
Over a million young Germans (1.6 million, to be exact) fell into this category last year, with the number increasing year after year. The Institute for Employment Research) (IAB) reports that there has been a net increase of 460,000 young people without qualifications over the past twelve years. Alarmingly, the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) estimates that the true figure may be even higher, with around 2.8 million young adults lacking vocational training, equivalent to almost every fifth individual in this age bracket (the discrepancy lies in the fact that the BIBB's statistics cover all young adults, while the IAB's only considers employed individuals).
The Looming Skilled Worker Crisis in Germany
With an estimated shortage of over 530,000 skilled workers nationwide on average, Germany is currently facing a dramatic shortage of apprentices. The Institute of the German Economy predicts that another 200,000 qualified workers will be needed in the next two years. By 2027, Germany could be short by a staggering 730,000 skilled workers, as per the same institute's forecast.
The Root of the Problem: Education
IAB professor Enzo Weber, in an interview for the "Wieder was gelernt" podcast, points out the root of the problem - many young people lack the necessary schooling to pursue vocational training. Each year, thousands of young people complete school without a degree, with 47,500 not even obtaining the main school leaving certificate in 2021, according to the Federal Statistical Office. This equates to about six percent of all students. Those who do not have a school leaving certificate have significantly reduced chances of getting an apprenticeship contract, with the Berufsbildungsbericht reporting that three-quarters of young people without vocational training also lack a school leaving certificate.
The Impact of Immigration and Job Market Dynamics
A significant factor driving the increasing number of young people without training is migration. Roughly 45 percent of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from asylum countries such as Syria or Afghanistan have no vocational training, according to an IAB study. There has also been an increase in young people from other EU countries, while the figure among young Germans has risen, though not as sharply.
Immigrants often arrive from different education systems and struggle to adapt to the German system. Weber argues that recognition of competencies, further development, and qualification are crucial for allowing immigrants to optimally utilize their potential in the German labor market.
The Allure of Immediate Work and Low-Skilled Jobs
Another reason for the apprentice shortage is that some young people prefer to start working immediately after school, often in unskilled jobs. This offers instant income, which can be higher than what apprentices earn during their training.
As companies strive to attract more young talent, contributing to the situation is the widening wage gap between apprentices and those in entry-level, low-skilled positions. While apprentices in their first year of training earn a minimum of €680 per month, helpers on average earn more than double that amount. However, the labor market situation for helpers is expected to deteriorate, with Weber advising that more needs to be done to support training.
To address the issue, Weber emphasizes the importance of low-threshold training opportunities, flexible training programs, and expansion of career guidance and orientation. Companies should increase their presence in schools and at career fairs, and offer practical experiences such as company visits, student projects, and internships. Additionally, online communication on social media platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok can help reach a broader pool of potential applicants.
Miscommunication Between Companies and Young People
Germany currently has a significant skills gap, with over a third of training places remaining unfilled in 2023, according to the German Industry and Commerce Chamber (DIHK), and every second training company struggling to find enough apprentices. A major issue is that companies' training offers often do not meet the career aspirations of young people, exacerbated by poor communication.
In a survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Institute of the German Economy (IW), companies were found to communicate on different channels than young people. Companies advertisements (particularly on Facebook) are not as effective in reaching potential applicants if they do not also utilize platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Young people are also largely unaware of the diverse training professions that offer high salaries in the long term.
"Wieder was gelernt" podcast is a helpful resource for those seeking insights into a number of pressing issues, including Germany's skilled worker crisis. By shedding light on the complex factors at play, the podcast aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the country and offers potential solutions. Episodes can be found on the ntv app, RTL, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, as well as through the RSS feed for other podcast apps.
[1] Institute of the German Economy Cologne[2] Bertelsmann Foundation[3] Social Networks[4] TikTok[5] WhatsApp[6] YouTube[7] Apprentices[8] Universities[9] Application[10] School[11] Profession[12] IAB[13] Education Preferences[14] Demographic and Economic Pressures[15] Attraction of Apprenticeships
- Community aid could focus on providing vocational training programs to young Germans without qualifications, helping them develop necessary skills for career development and personal growth.
- Education and self-development initiatives, such as low-threshold training opportunities and flexible programs, could attract more young people to pursue vocational education, addressing the apprentice shortage in Germany.
- Companies and educational institutions could use social networks like YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok to improve communication and increase awareness among young people about the benefits of vocational training, skills training, and various professions offering high salaries in the long term.
