Numerous youths in Germany are failing to receive formal education, with significant numbers not enrolled in schools or universities.
Rewritten Article:
No Skills, No Future: Why Millions of Young People in Germany Can't Get Ahead
By Caroline Amme
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In Germany, an unfortunate trend is on the rise: more and more young people are graduating without vocational training, a university degree, or any marketable skills. This situation is expected to worsen in the coming years, posing a major problem for businesses in need of qualified workers. But why is this happening, and what can be done about it?
Last year, a staggering 1.6 million 20- to 34-year-olds found themselves without a vocational training or university education, according to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). The situation is even more alarming when considering the statistics from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), which reports that almost every fifth young adult in this age group lacks vocational training — a massive 2.8 million people.
With over half a million skilled workers already in short supply across the country, the situation is critical. The Institute of the German Economy predicts that this shortage could reach 730,000 by 2027.
Education Problems Start in School
The instability begins at the education level. Every year, thousands of students are completing school without even a certificate of completion, let alone a degree. In 2021 alone, around 47,500 students were in this category, according to the Federal Statistical Office. For those without a school certificate, the odds of securing an apprenticeship are slim: three-quarters of those without a vocational training share this fate, reports the Report on Vocational Training.
The Impact of Migration
One major reason for the growing number of young people without training is migration. Around 45% of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from asylum countries like Syria or Afghanistan have no vocational training, according to an IAB study. Additionally, among young people from other EU countries and among young Germans, the proportion has risen, although not to the same extent.
"This does not mean that migrants are less educated, but rather that many come from completely different education systems," says Enzo Weber, IAB professor. "Our vocational training is unique. Many migrants cannot fully utilize their potential in the German labor market."
Data Protection
As a result, Weber calls for improvements in labor market integration for migrants. "We must recognize competencies, further develop them job-relatedly, and further qualify — so that the degree is eventually achieved."
Creating More Opportunities for Training
To address the shortage of skilled workers, various initiatives are underway. These include agreements between companies and schools to provide practical training opportunities for students, calls for more flexible apprenticeship programs tailored to the individual's needs, expanded job placement services, and stronger support for career guidance in schools.
Economy School Leavers Become Fascinating Targets for CompaniesIn comparison, apprentices in their first year of training can expect to earn at least 680 euros per month. However, opportunities and remuneration for helpers are predicted to weaken, so more young people may eventually find training to be a more attractive option.
To ensure greater awareness of the available training opportunities, initiatives such as low-threshold training options with flexible, job-related learning are being explored. Career guidance and orientation programs and platforms that use popular social media channels are also being considered to appeal to younger audiences.
"Wieder was gelernt" podcastFor those eager to learn, the "Wieder was gelernt" podcast offers insights into diverse topics, including the apprenticeship shortage, demographics, and more. All episodes are available on the ntv app, RTL, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify, among other platforms.
Privacy
- Institute of the German Economy Cologne
- Bertelsmann Foundation
- Social Networks
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Apprentices
- Universities
- Application
- School
- Occupation
- IAB
_Enrichment Data:- Germany faces a population problem characterized by a graying population and low fertility rates, leading to a shrinking domestic workforce.- The rapid technological advancement is continuously raising the demand for expert skills in fields such as engineering, IT, and health.- Traditional vocational education and training (VET) in Germany has become less popular, exacerbating the labor gap that arises from the insufficient production of skilled workers absent equitable opportunities for all.- Due to cultural obstacles, such as the stigma against failure and limited opportunities for entrepreneurial thinking and multidisciplinary skills development, talented young workers may have reduced chances of advancing professionally.*- Legislative efforts that encourage immigration, recognize international qualifications, and streamline visa procedures aim to address the skills shortage.
Community aid organizations could provide vocational training opportunities for young people without a university degree, helping them develop marketable skills and fostering personal growth. The promotion of education-and-self-development programs, centered on learning and personal-growth, is crucial in addressing the growing problem of young adults in Germany without vocational training.
