Millions of youth in Germany remain unschooled, prompting examination of education system's effectiveness.
Revamping the Workforce: combating the surge of unskilled workers in Germany
Examining the Roots of the Problem - Lack of Vocational Training
In the heart of Europe, a concerning trend is unfolding, as more and more young individuals in Germany neglect to obtain either vocational training or university degrees. Last year, an alarming 1.6 million youngsters between 20-34 years old found themselves in this predicament. Every year, this number grows - over the past 12 years, about 460,000 youths with no qualifications have swelled the ranks[1].
Data Protection
The scarcity of skilled labor in this context becomes a significant issue, as Germany faces a deficit of over 530,000 qualified workers nationwide, on average[2]. A further 200,000 vacancies are anticipated to surface in the next two years. By 2027, the country may experience a shortage of around 730,000 skilled workers[2].
Many Dropouts at Early Stages
Professor Enzo Weber of the IAB disapprovingly observes the high numbers in an NTV podcast, "Wieder was gelernt". He highlights bottlenecks in numerous sectors, including social work, healthcare, technology, and technical IT roles. He also points to the influence of demographic shifts, as over the next 15 years, Germany is set to lose seven million employed persons due to aging[3].
Contact Eroding with Education
In Germany, three-quarters of employment roles necessitate corresponding training. It appears that the issue starts early in school. Annually, tens of thousands of students leave without a diploma. In 2021 alone, no less than 47,500 students departed without even achieving the Hauptschulabschluss. This amounts to around six percent of all students [4]. Sadly, youths without a school-leaving certificate face a slimmer chance of securing an apprenticeship, as peripherally, three-quarters of jobless youngsters also lack such certification[3].
Immigrants and their Integration
One significant factor leading to the increase in young people without training stems from immigration. Close to 45 percent of 20-34-year-old refugees from asylum countries such as Syria and Afghanistan lack vocational training. Furthermore, the proportion has escalated among young people from other EU countries and, albeit less strongly, among young Germans. Weber articulates that immigrants are not inherently less educated but that the unique German vocational training system often fails to capitalize on the full potential of new arrivals[3].
Creating Opportunities and Strategy considering Online Channels
In light of the apprenticeship crunch, industry leaders advocate for strengthening the integration of immigrants into the labor market, by identifying and bolstering competencies, and further developing them in a work-related fashion. Flexible training programs that integrate modules, which can be completed in parallel with jobs, could create a viable solution for many[3].
Additionally, expanding career guidance and orientation is crucial. Companies should maintain a more active presence in schools and at fairs to provide practical experiences such as company visits, student projects, internships, or online communication on social media[3]. Both parties, companies and applicants, communicate past each other in their search for training places. Platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok can help bridge this gap, improving access to potential young talent[3].
Dealing with the growing skills gap in Germany
As of 2023, over 73,000 apprenticeship vacancies remained unfilled[1], with companies struggling to attract the suitable candidates, with some reporting no applications received for positions. To boost skills training, attractive incentives for students are essential, such as providing apprenticeships with competitive salaries that exceed those offered to unskilled labor[3].
One such incentive, low-threshold training programs, permits individuals to complete certain modules as part of a flexible training program while working and enables them to eventually attain qualifications with prolonged experience![3]
Breaking Through Communication Barriers
Companies and potential apprentices often fail to connect, negatively impacting the number of applicants targeted jobs. According to a survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Institute of the German Economy (IW), companies utilize social media platforms like Facebook to advertise trainee openings less effectively[3]. As most young people search for vacancies on YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok, companies would benefit from utilizing these platforms to tap into a wider talent pool.
Sources:
[1] Institute for Employment Research (IAB).[2] Institute of the German Economy (IW).[3] German Statistical Office (FDZ).[4] German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).[5] ntv.de
- The concerning trend of young individuals in Germany neglecting vocational training is leading to a surge of unskilled workers, with 1.6 million youngsters between 20-34 years old lacking qualifications last year.
- In response to this issue, there is a need for a focus on vocational training as a means of combat, considering that Germany is facing a deficit of over 530,000 qualified workers nationwide.
- Data shows that about 460,000 youths with no qualifications have increased over the past 12 years, with this number expected to grow further.
- Immigrants, particularly those from asylum countries like Syria and Afghanistan, and young people from other EU countries, contribute significantly to this issue as close to 45 percent of 20-34-year-old refugees lack vocational training.
- To address the apprenticeship crunch and combat the skills gap, companies should increase their presence in schools and at fairs, providing opportunities like company visits, internships, and online communication on social media.
- In addition to expanding career guidance and orientation, low-threshold training programs that allow individuals to complete certain modules as part of a flexible training program while working could help create opportunities for those seeking qualifications.
