German politicians have set themselves the goal of continuously improving the education system. Vocational training in particular plays an important role. However, this topic hardly seems to be gaining priority in the current political landscape. In particular, the coalition agreement of the traffic light coalition gives little reason to hope that anything will change in the near future.
Yet the challenges in the area of vocational training are enormous. Changes in the labor market and digital transformation are placing new demands on trainees and on teachers working in this field. The question now is whether policymakers are sufficiently addressing the needs of the future here.
Although vocational education plays an important role in the economy and society, it is often understood in society as insignificant and a way out for weaker students. In reality, it is an important part of the education system. Strengthening it would help people adapt to the ever-changing modern workplace and economic success would be the result.
The coalition agreement should therefore make vocational training a priority in order to meet the needs of the future.
Vocational training is hardly mentioned in the coalition agreement of the "traffic light" coalition
The coalition agreement of the traffic light coalition in North Rhine-Westphalia contains few concrete measures on vocational training. The topic is only addressed in one paragraph.
The coalition agreement states that vocational training is to be strengthened and modernized. Innovative concepts and digital technologies are to be used for this purpose. The goal, they say, is high-quality vocational training that is an attractive alternative to university studies. However, no concrete steps or measures are mentioned to help implement this goal.
Experts warn that vocational training is being neglected in Germany. Compared to academic education, vocational education is underfunded and offers too few opportunities for continuing education, they say. The shortage of skilled workers will be a major problem in the future, he said.
- Some points to consider:
- The topic of vocational education is barely addressed in the coalition agreement of the traffic light coalition in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Only one paragraph is devoted to the topic.
- The goal is high-quality vocational training that is an attractive alternative to university studies.
- However, no concrete measures are mentioned that are intended to contribute to the implementation of this goal.
- Experts warn that vocational training is being neglected and could lead to a major problem in the future.
The demands of the trade unions
In the coalition agreement of the traffic light coalition, vocational education is hardly an issue. This is not understood by the trade unions. They call for more support for vocational training and easier access to apprenticeships.
The trade unions also advocate better pay for apprentices. They are calling for clear minimum wages for apprentices and greater co-determination by apprentice representatives in companies.
The quality of apprenticeships should also be improved. Unions call for more investment in training centers and greater consideration of digitization and environmental challenges in curricula.
Ultimately, the unions call for better support for trainees with a migration background and for people with disabilities to facilitate access to training positions.
- Stronger support for vocational training
- Better pay for apprentices
- Improving the quality of apprenticeships
- Better support for trainees with an immigrant background and for people with disabilities
How is vocational training promoted in other countries?
In many other countries, vocational education and training play a much more important role than in Germany. In Scandinavia and Switzerland, young people are integrated into the labor market at an early stage and can complete a dual vocational training program. In other countries such as Austria, France and the Netherlands, dual training is also an important part of vocational education and training.
Another successful model is the Australian system, in which apprentices receive financial support and companies receive tax benefits for providing apprenticeships. Canada also has a government-funded system that allows companies to pay their apprentices during training while improving their skills and knowledge.
Other countries such as China and Singapore have decided to focus their education systems strongly on technology and innovation. They specifically encourage collaboration between industry and educational institutions to ensure that their workers are up to speed on the latest technological developments and have the skills that companies need.
- In Scandinavia and Switzerland, dual training is an important part of vocational education and training.
- The Australian system promotes training with financial support and tax benefits.
- China and Singapore are focusing their education systems on technology and innovation.
In Germany, the traffic light coalition is expected to focus more on vocational education and training in the future. Under the "Training for the Future program, for example, incentives are to be created for companies to create more apprenticeships and improve the quality of training.
It therefore remains to be seen how vocational training will be promoted in Germany in the future and whether the German model with dual training will continue to prove its worth.
Why is vocational education so important?
Vocational training plays a crucial role in the German education system. It offers students a chance to discover and develop their talents and interests. In addition, it prepares young people specifically for the labor market and is thus an important instrument for securing a skilled workforce.
However, the importance of vocational training is often underestimated. It barely features in the coalition agreement of the "traffic light" coalition in particular, which is a cause for concern. At the same time, Germany needs well-trained skilled workers, especially in times of a shortage of skilled workers, in order to be able to compete internationally.
Another important aspect of vocational education and training is social integration. Here, disadvantaged young people in particular have the opportunity to improve their chances on the labor market through targeted vocational training and thus lead a self-determined life.
- Result: Vocational training is thus an important factor for the economic and social development of a country.
It is therefore essential that policymakers recognize the importance of vocational training and promote it in a targeted manner. This is the only way Germany can remain competitive in the long term and ensure a fair and social society.