Vocational training
Institute: Training market is stagnating
The corona pandemic left deep marks on the training market. The subsequent slight recovery is now being halted again by the economic downturn.
The slight recovery in the training market that was observed after the Corona slump appears to have stopped again for the time being. After an increase in newly concluded training contracts in the past three years, the number has fallen slightly again this year. As the Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB) announced, 486,700 new dual training contracts were concluded as of September 30th, 2,500 fewer than in the previous year and still 38,300 fewer than in the pre-Corona year 2019.
Applicants and companies cannot find each other
According to BIBB, one problem remains that many companies and interested parties cannot find each other for a variety of reasons: 70,400 applicants had not yet found an apprenticeship as of the deadline. This compares to 69,400 unfilled training positions. According to the information, the supply of training places decreased by 6,500 places and now stands at 556,100. This compares to 557,100 interested parties, an increase of 4,200.
Economic slowdown is taking hold
BIBB President Friedrich Hubert Esser said it was positive that demand was continuing to rise. “On the other hand, I am very concerned that the current economic weakness appears to be spilling over into the training market, as the number of newly concluded dual training contracts has not increased further,” he added.
The German Federation of Trade Unions (DGB) also reacted with concern. “The declining number of newly concluded training contracts is a clear alarm signal,” said DGB deputy chairwoman Elke Hannack. Weak economic activity and plans to cut jobs would likely further impact the training market. She appealed to companies: If they do not take their responsibility for training seriously now, the shortage of skilled workers will continue to be inevitable in the future.
Business calls for measures to address fit problems
“The economic conditions are not leaving the training market unscathed. The global challenges that training companies face are most likely to have an impact, especially in industry,” said Nico Schönefeldt from the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He added that in addition to the economic challenges, there were significant professional, regional and skills challenges in matching supply and demand. To remedy the situation, he called for a discounted Germany ticket for trainees, improved career orientation for young people and strengthening the readiness for training.
dpa
Source: Stern
