Increasing Encouragement instead of Requiring Further Action
The skilled worker shortage in Lower Saxony, particularly in the craft sector, has become a pressing concern, with many vocational training positions remaining unfilled[1]. This shortage is linked to several factors, including a decline in interest among young people in pursuing craft apprenticeships and perceptions of craft work as less attractive compared to other career paths[1][4].
To tackle these issues, initiatives such as the "SHIFT NOW - Your Future Festival" are being held, aimed at rethinking career guidance by connecting young people (16 to 21 years old) with future-oriented training occupations in crafts and other sectors[1]. This event, supported by the Lower Saxony Ministry for Environment, Energy and Climate Protection and the Hannover Region, provides young people and training companies free access to information, mentoring, and networking opportunities designed to spark interest and help clarify career paths in skilled trades[1].
Eckhard Stein, President of the Chamber of Crafts Oldenburg, criticizes the lack of focus on career guidance in politics, suggesting that giving students in grade 7 an indication of the opportunities offered by dual vocational training could help address the issue[2]. Stein also expresses a desire for more political support for the craft sector, stating that the implementation of the energy transition is only possible with the craft sector[3].
In an effort to provide a broad-based vocational foundation and prepare students for future career choices, a new school form at BBS1Friends will offer students a taste of the areas of health, economy, and logistics[5]. The new school form, the one-year vocational school dual B and F, will start at the beginning of the next school year, with B standing for vocational training and F for advanced technical college[5].
However, the actual problem is the lack of suitable applicants for the training places, rather than a training place guarantee being unable to change the declining trend of filled training contracts[1]. Hendrik Nordmann, Deputy Headmaster at the Vocational Training School I (BBSI) Commercial High School in Delmenhorst, reports that friends and partners can influence student registration for dual vocational training[6].
The craft sector offers a wide range of different qualified training places, making it an attractive career choice for those interested in pursuing a hands-on, practical career[7]. The aim of the new school form at BBS1Friends is to enable students to acquire a broad-based vocational foundation and to prepare them for future career choices[5].
In summary, initiatives such as the "SHIFT NOW" festival, enhanced career guidance efforts, and the introduction of new school forms like the one at BBS1Friends represent concrete steps being taken to improve the appeal and accessibility of craft training positions for qualified applicants in Lower Saxony. By engaging young people, providing clarity on career opportunities, and bridging the gap between training providers and potential apprentices, these efforts aim to address the shortage of qualified candidates in Lower Saxony's craft sector.
- The "SHIFT NOW - Your Future Festival" initiative aims to connect young people with future-oriented training occupations in crafts and other sectors, offering information, mentoring, and networking opportunities to spark interest and clarify career paths in skilled trades.
- Eckhard Stein, President of the Chamber of Crafts Oldenburg, suggests that providing students in grade 7 with an indication of the opportunities offered by dual vocational training could help address the skilled worker shortage in Lower Saxony, particularly in the craft sector.
- The aim of the new school form at BBS1Friends is to offer students a broad-based vocational foundation in the areas of health, economy, and logistics, preparing them for future career choices and making the craft sector an attractive career choice for those interested in hands-on, practical work.
