"Skilled Workers in Short Supply" The Unseen Challenge Facing Germany's Youth
In Germany, a significant number of youth are forgoing traditional education.
It's a stark reality in Germany as the numbers of young people receiving vocational training or a university degree continues to decrease. Here's what you need to know about the growing problem.
The Untrained Hordes
The number of untrained youth in Germany has been on the rise for years, causing concern as Germany grapples with a severe shortage of skilled workers. Last year alone, a staggering 1.6 million 20- to 34-year-olds were untrained. That's a whopping 460,000 more young people than a decade ago, according to the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) reports an even more concerning figure - nearly 2.8 million young adults lack vocational qualifications, equivalent to almost every fifth person in this age group. The difference in statistics arises due to the BIBB considering all young adults, whereas the IAB focuses on employed individuals.
The Great Skill Gap
Germany is facing a significant skills gap, with over 530,000 skilled workers in short supply nationwide on average, a number that is expected to reach 730,000 by 2027. In the next two years, an additional 200,000 skilled workers will be needed, according to the Institute of German Economy.
School Leavers: A Missed Opportunity
One of the root causes of the problem can be traced back to school. Every year, tens of thousands of students complete school without a degree - in 2021, around 6% of all students failed to gain the main school leaving certificate. A worrying statistic as a school leaving certificate significantly increases the chances of securing an apprenticeship. Research shows that three-quarters of young people without vocational training also lack a school leaving certificate.
A Nation of Dropouts
The high numbers of untrained youth in Germany can be attributed to several factors, with migration playing a significant role. Approximately 45% of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from countries like Syria and Afghanistan are untrained. The figure has also risen among young people from other EU countries and within Germany itself, albeit not as sharply.
The misconception that migrants are less educated is a fallacy, according to IAB Professor Enzo Weber. "Many migrants come from entirely different education systems and struggle to adapt their skills to Germany's unique vocational training system. This limits their potential in the German labor market," he explains.
Skilled Trades: Into the Abyss
Many skilled trades in Germany are short of 125,000 skilled workers. With over three-quarters of jobs in Germany requiring corresponding training, this mass exodus of untrained youth could lead to disastrous consequences for the German economy.
A Silver Lining
The increasing shortage of skilled workers presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Germany's economy. By investing in flexible, low-threshold training programs, expanding career guidance and orientation, and adopting more creative recruitment strategies, companies can secure the talent they need to thrive.
The Future of Skilled Workers
With Germany's insatiable appetite for skilled workers and a growing pool of untrained youth, it's clear that action is needed to bridge this gap. By understanding the root causes, from demographic challenges to poor communication and outdated education systems, Germany can position itself for long-term success.
- The increasing problem of a shrinking number of young people receiving vocational training in Germany has resulted in a severe shortage of skilled workers, with over 530,000 skilled workers in short supply nationwide.
- Demographic changes, such as migration, have contributed to the rise in the number of untrained youth in Germany, with 45% of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from countries like Syria and Afghanistan being untrained.
- Investing in flexible, low-threshold training programs, expanding career guidance and orientation, and adopting more creative recruitment strategies could help companies secure the talent they need, addressing the shortage of skilled workers in Germany.
- Understanding the root causes, including poor communication and outdated education systems, is crucial for Germany to position itself for long-term success in the face of demographic challenges and the growing pool of untrained youth.
