Employers and Employment Agency Urge Young People to Tackle Growing Skilled Labor Shortage
Amidst a dire skilled labor shortage, German employers’ associations and the Federal Employment Agency (BA) are actively campaigning to attract young people to apprenticeships. According to the BA’s North Regional Directorate, approximately 7,500 prospective apprentices are currently seeking opportunities, facing a surplus of roughly twice that number of available training positions.
"We anticipate a similar scenario as in previous years," said Markus Biercher, head of the BA, implying that not all apprenticeship slots will be filled.
Biercher strongly advocates for dual vocational training. "It’s the most effective protection against unemployment," he emphasized during a joint event with the Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Crafts at a vocational school in Ahrensburg. Biercher cited that the unemployment risk for unskilled workers over their working life is around 20%, while for skilled workers, it’s only 3%.
Biercher forecasts a significant shortage of skilled labor in the coming years. "Within the next five to seven years, over 100,000 older skilled workers will leave the labor market in Schleswig-Holstein," he stated. "Five years later, that number will have increased to 275,000. It’s a substantial gap we face, leading to enormous challenges."
Ralf Stamer, President of the Chamber of Crafts for Schleswig-Holstein, discerns a "renewed enthusiasm for apprenticeships." He noted a marked increase in training numbers, highlighting the extensive career paths available. "It can even lead to starting your own business," added Stamer, emphasizing the need for thousands of business successors in the coming years.
Hagen Goldbeck, President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Schleswig-Holstein, supports the trend towards apprenticeships. "We primarily attribute this surge to the attractiveness of our region’s companies within a stable economic climate and their flexibility in offering modern training opportunities."
Henning Görtz, Chairman of the Schleswig-Holstein District Association, highlighted the labor shortage’s impact on local government. "That’s why initiatives like work-life balance play a crucial role," said the District Administrator of Stormarn.
Johannes Kahlke, Principal of the Ahrensburg Vocational School, stressed the importance of supporting apprentices with learning difficulties. "Recognizing the need for individualized support, a network of specialists provides theoretical and practical tutoring, social counseling, and even personal assistance," Kahlke explained. "We leave no one behind."
Key Points:
- Germany faces a growing shortage of skilled labor, leaving many apprenticeship slots unfilled.
- Employers’ associations and the Federal Employment Agency are actively encouraging young people to pursue apprenticeships.
- Dual vocational training is highly recommended as it offers strong job security.
- A significant number of skilled workers will retire in the coming years, exacerbating the labor shortage.
- Various initiatives are being implemented to attract and support apprentices, including flexible training programs and support for those with learning difficulties.
- The skilled labor shortage also affects local government, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance initiatives.
