Title: Missing the Mark: Millions of Young Germans Lack Vocational Training
Uneducated Millions of German Youth: The Shocking Truth Revealed
By Caroline Amme
The vibrant lands of Deutschland are witnessing an alarming trend—a growing number of young adults, in the age bracket of 20 to 34, are finding themselves unskilled and unqualified. Over a staggering 1.6 million individuals fell into this category last year, with the figure climbing each year. The Institute of Employment Research (IAB) reveals that this group has grown by a quartet of 460,000 in the past twelve years.
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) reports an even more concerning statistic: nearly 2.8 million young adults in this age group lack vocational training. This discrepancy arises due to the distinction made in BIBB's statistics, as they include all individuals in this age group, while the IAB focuses solely on employed persons.
Data Protection
As the pool of skilled workers shrinks, Germany faces a substantial deficit—average nationwide, the country lacks over 530,000 qualified workers. By the end of 2025, this deficit will increase to a whopping 200,000, with the grand total soaring to 730,000 by 2027, according to the Institute of the German Economy.
Failing to Graduate from School
IAB professor Enzo Weber offers some insight in the ntv podcast "Wieder was gelernt." The concerning statistics mirror the pressing need for skilled workers and highly qualified individuals in multiple sectors—social services, healthcare, technology, and even green technologies. Moreover, the impending demographic shift—with over seven million employed persons set to retire over the next 15 years—compounds the urgent need for a skilled workforce.
Over one-quarter of the jobs in Germany require corresponding training, which many young people lack. Weber underscores the significance of qualifications in Germany's workforce. The pitfalls begin at school, where tens of thousands of students fail to graduate each year—in 2021, over 47,500 did not even earn their main school-leaving certificate. Common among these students, a substantial three-quarters do not possess this critical certificate, according to the Berufsbildungsbericht.
"Migrants are not educationally lazy"
A key factor contributing to the rising number of young adults without any formal training is migration. Research reveals that approximately 45 percent of 20- to 34-year-old refugees from countries like Syria or Afghanistan lack vocational training. The percentage has also swelled among young people from other EU countries, as well as among young German nationals, although at a lesser rate.
"This doesn't mean that migrants are educationally lazy," Weber explains. "Instead, many individuals arrive from completely different education systems and struggle to adapt to the unique nature of Germany's vocational training system. They are unable to fully utilize their potential in the German labor market, often working in roles below their abilities."
To foster integration into the labor market, Weber advocates for the recognition and further development of existing competencies, with additional job-related training to facilitate final qualifications.
Economy
The German craft industry is short of 125,000 skilled workers Beyond the general skills gap, many young people opt to forgo apprenticeships following school, choosing instead to jump into low-skilled jobs. This immediate income appeal is amplified by the hike in minimum wage. However, the higher wages yielded by such jobs are likely to dwindle—Weber warns that the labor market situation for helpers will deteriorate.
In contrast, apprentices in their debut year of training earn a minimum of 680 euros per month, whereas helpers can earn an average of more than twice that amount. Weber advises beefing up training initiatives, including low-threshold opportunities that allow participants to complete certain modules in a flexible manner, ultimately earning final qualifications after a few years through a dual study program.
Expanding career guidance and career orientation are also essential, with companies encouraged to engage with schools and fairs, providing practical experiences, and offering internships. Active online communication through channels like YouTube, WhatsApp, and TikTok is equally crucial.
"Companies and applicants communicate past each other"
reflected in a survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation and the Institute of the German Economy (IW). Companies and young people often miss each other, with one example being the 71 percent of companies that publicize their open positions on Facebook, reaching only a quarter of potential applicants.
Skipping crucial training positions has become the norm, with over 73,000 spots left unfilled in 2023—a record high. According to the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), roughly half of all companies struggle to find suitable apprentices. A few schools shy away from committing to training partnerships, citing the lack of suitable candidates as the main reason. Some companies even report cases of disappearing apprentices, or 'ghosting'.
Domestic companies, particularly small-scale trades like the venerable craft industry, are taking creative measures to fill their skill shortages. One such measure is looking outside the country, leveraging initiatives like the Skilled Immigration Act and the Opportunity Card system to attract skilled workers from abroad[1]. Other companies focus on integration support, offering language classes, housing assistance, or administrative help[2].
Economy: Infrastructure and Industry Focus
Ultimately, efforts to bridge the gap between skilled laborers and an ever-growing demand must focus on multiple fronts—from strengthening traditional apprenticeships and introducing more inclusive and comprehensive training programs to expanding career guidance and fostering industry partnerships. Landmarks could include simplified immigration processes, infrastructure improvements in rural areas, and increased emphasis on digital literacy and AI skills training.[1][2][3][4][5]
- The alarming trend in Germany involves a growing number of young adults, aged 20 to 34, lacking vocational training, with over 1.6 million individuals unskilled last year and the figure increasing annually.
- In Germany, nearly 2.8 million young adults in the same age group require vocational training, according to the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).
- A key factor contributing to the rising number of young adults without any formal training is migration, with approximately 45% of refugees between the ages of 20 to 34 from countries like Syria or Afghanistan lacking vocational training.
- The German craft industry alone is short of 125,000 skilled workers, with many young people opting for low-skilled jobs due to immediate income appeal and the hike in minimum wage, while apprentices in their debut year of training can earn a minimum of 680 euros per month.
