Which training offers the best career opportunities? 56 percent of Austrian students see themselves in pole position with a degree. For 32 percent it is a high school diploma at a vocational college (BHS), with 30 percent following in third place is an apprenticeship with a high school diploma. The apprenticeship is in fifth place (14 percent), one place behind the AHS Matura.
These figures come from the 2022 apprenticeship study, which the Linz Market Institute conducted on behalf of the Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) and the Initiative Zukunft.Lehre.Österreich (ZLÖ) among apprentices, students, parents and teachers. 1000 interviews were conducted.
“Teaching has to be positioned differently, the numbers show us that,” said study author David Pfarrhofer yesterday, Friday, at the online presentation in Vienna: In addition to high school and BHS, teaching must clearly be the third way to the Matura. “The apparent dead end after completing an apprenticeship still prevents some from completing an apprenticeship. The long-term goal should be that the three paths AHS, BHS and apprenticeship are combined with equally good career and further training opportunities,” said Werner Steinecker: The General Director of Energy AG is – as a former apprentice – founder and president of ZLÖ.
“Apprentice”: New designation
Another problem is the image of the apprenticeship: For 38 percent, it is little or not at all attractive. 39 percent said the apprenticeship was “old and outdated”. For 45 percent of the students, the term “apprentice” is no longer appropriate and should be adjusted.
In this context, Steinecker announced an Austria-wide survey to find a modern name. The federal government used to have an “apprentice commissioner”: According to Steinecker, one should think about his return or one’s own state secretary. Because of the shortage of skilled workers, billions are at stake.
According to IV President Georg Knill, the looser grading at schools during the pandemic is also a reason for this: This means that students stay there, potential dropouts are withheld from the labor market: 10,000 young people would be missing. According to a survey, 40 percent of 14 and 15-year-olds currently have no problems at school. Verbund boss Michael Strugl emphasized that career orientation in schools must be given greater importance, possibly in the form of a compulsory subject.
How the boys catch fire
Much was said at the press conference about making the teaching profession more attractive. “It’s about pointing out perspectives,” said Miba HR Manager Bernhard Reisner. You have to convey what you can achieve in the profession. “When it comes to issues like curbing climate change, the young people catch fire.” Knill referred to the opportunities: “A worker in the metal industry earns about as much as an academic in her lifetime.” (prel)
Source: Nachrichten
