Uncovering the reasons behind the substantial number of young Germans lacking formal education
Hey there! Ever wondered why so many young people in Germany are without vocational training or a university degree? Well, you're not alone!
Last year alone, a staggering 1.6 million 20- to 34-year-olds found themselves in this exact predicament. And every year, the numbers just keep rising! In the past 12 years, we've seen a mind-boggling 460,000 young people without qualifications join the ranks, according to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) paints an even grimmer picture, with almost every fifth young adult (2.8 million to be exact) lacking any vocational training. The difference arises because the BIBB's statistics include all young adults in this age group, while the IAB only considers those who are employed.
The Impact on the Labor Market
This growing unskilled workforce is a cause for concern, especially considering Germany's chronic shortage of specialized workers. On average, the country is already short of over 530,000 qualified workers! By 2027, we're looking at a staggering deficit of 730,000 skilled workers, predicts the Institute of the German Economy.
The situation is critical, with bottle necks in sectors like nursing, health, technology, and IT. As Prof. Enzo Weber from the IAB points out, "the qualification has a very high signal value in Germany."
Underperforming in School
So, where's it all going wrong? It starts in school. Every year, tens of thousands of young people finish school without a degree - a shocking 47,500 didn't even complete the main school leaving certificate in 2021! That's around six percent of all students, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
And without a school leaving certificate, the chances of getting an apprenticeship contract are slimmer. A whopping three-quarters of young people without vocational training also don't have a school leaving certificate, according to a Report on Vocational Training.
immigration plays a role
Immigration is also a significant factor in the rising number of young people without training. Around 45 percent of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from asylum countries like Syria or Afghanistan have no vocational training, according to the IAB study. The proportion has also increased among young people from other EU countries - and among young Germans, although not as dramatically.
Closing the Skills Gap
So, what can we do to address this growing skills gap?
- Low-Threshold Training Offers: By providing flexible training modules that can be completed in parallel with a job, we can help young people achieve qualifications over a few years.
- Expand Career Guidance: Career guidance and orientation need to be improved. There needs to be more interaction between companies and schools to help young people understand the training opportunities available.
- Effective Communication: Companies should communicate more effectively with young people. Using platforms like YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok could help reach a broader audience.
- Addressing Misconceptions: Young people should be made aware of the various training professions and the potential earnings. Some of these professions can offer significant long-term earnings, but many young people are simply not aware of this fact.
Conclusion
The growing unskilled workforce in Germany is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention. By taking proactive steps to improve vocational training, career guidance, and communication, we can help bridge this skills gap and prepare the next generation for success. Let's work together to ensure a bright and skilled future!
Community aid programs could focus on providing vocational training opportunities for the growing number of unskilled youth in Germany. This training could lead to personal growth and learning experiences that promote education-and-self-development, contributing to the individual's long-term success and the economic development of the country.
Addressing the issue is crucial, as improving vocational training, career guidance, and communication can help increase the number of skilled workers, reducing the projected deficit and helping to ensure a bright, skilled future for both the country and its youth.
