"Skill Shortage in Germany: A Looming Crisis"
Young Germans Uninformed: Massive Youth Literacy Crisis Persists
Why Are So Many Young Germans Missing Out on Vocational Training?
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in Germany - a large number of young individuals are unable to secure vocational training or a university degree. Last year, approximately 1.6 million 20- to 34-year-olds found themselves in this predicament, with numbers steadily rising year-on-year. This poses a significant issue for a country now facing an acute shortage of skilled workers. However, some simple measures could help reverse this trend.
The Growing Crisis
Young, untrained, and unprepared for the workforce - there are concerning numbers of young people in Germany with no vocational qualifications. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) estimates that the true number of young adults without such a qualification is closer to 2.8 million, accounting for almost every fifth person in this age bracket. While the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) provides statistics that are limited only to the employed, the gap remains troubling.
A Nation in Need
The shortage of skilled workers is causing alarm bells to ring across industries, with Germany facing a deficit of over 530,000 qualified workers nationwide, a figure that is projected to increase to 730,000 by 2027. The Institute of the German Economy predicts that by 2027, Germany will experience a severe shortage of 7 million skilled workers due to an aging population and a low birth rate [5][3].
The Falling Numbers
The issue begins in school, where each year, thousands of students leave without any qualifications. In 2021, around 47,500 students did not even achieve the main school leaving certificate, equating to around 6% of all students. Without this essential foundation, obtaining an apprenticeship becomes considerably more challenging, with roughly three-quarters of young people without vocational training also lacking a school leaving certificate [4].
Migration and Integration
A decisive reason for the increasing number of young people without training is migration. Approximately 45% of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from asylum countries such as Syria or Afghanistan hold no vocational training [2]. This trend is also creeping into the population of young people from other EU countries and, to a lesser extent, among young Germans. It's vital to recognize that this does not imply that migrants are less educated but rather that many come from vastly different education systems, struggling to adapt to the unique German vocational training system [2].
Spreading the Word
To combat this growing issue, it's essential to improve career guidance and career orientation for young people, with companies taking a more active role in schools and at events such as career fairs [2]. Practical experiences, such as company visits, school projects, or internships, are crucial for helping young people understand the opportunities that await them [2]. The power of online communication in social media cannot be underestimated, with companies missing out on potential applicants by failing to reach them via platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok [2].
The Skills Gap
Over 73,000 training places remain unfilled in Germany, representing over one-third of all available positions [1]. To bridge this gap, companies must recognize the value of vocational training and adopt more flexible and adaptable approaches to learning that cater to the needs of a diverse and dynamic workforce [1]. By doing so, they can not only support young people in acquiring the skills they need to succeed but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of the German economy.
Notes:
- "Companies get creative: Survey: Every second training company finds too few apprentices," ntv.de, Link
- "Migrants are not less educated: The labor market integration of refugees," IAB (2020), Link
- "Germany's Aging Population: Demographic Transformation and Economic Challenges," International Monetary Fund, Link
- "Shortage of skilled workers: These are the most promising training occupations," Spiegel, Link
- "Economic Crisis in Germany: Causes, Effects, and Solutions," Investopedia, Link
Vocational training is critical for career and education-and-self-development, as emerging studies indicate a significant skills gap in Germany, with over 73,000 unfilled training places in various industries. To address this issue and equip young Germans with the necessary skills, increased enrollment in vocational training programs is crucial. Moreover, improved career guidance and active involvement of companies in schools can help encourage more young individuals to pursue vocational training for long-term learning and career development.
