Categories: Germany

Training ‘not fit for the future’ in Germany, study finds

While German businesses want to invest more in new talent, current training systems are ‘not fit for the future’, a new study by Randstad has found.

The personnel services firm’s Randstad-ifo HR manager survey (Q4 2024) found that two thirds (64%) of German firms have issues with the qualifications of trainee applicants, while more than three quarters (77%) are calling for a change in vocational training.

Of this number, 71% would like to see more modern vocational schools and curricula and 52% would like better cooperation between vocational schools and companies.

The struggle to fill training positions is particularly significant in industry (67%), followed by trade (63%) and services (53%).

‘Influencing competitiveness’

“Digitalisation and sustainability are the big issues that affect corporations and companies because they influence competitiveness,” commented Sandra Dickneite, training expert at Randstad Germany.

“It is important to have an open mind for the potential of young talents in order to give them the chance to use this in professional practice. This requires incentives and support for personal responsibility, for example in the context of small projects. This shows the trainees: There are good future prospects here, and here I can bring in talents that are not always reflected in grades on school reports.”

More than half of the companies surveyed (54%) see room for improvement in their collaboration with vocational schools, which can be achieved by the implementation of exchange programmes, according to Dickneite.

“Exchanges with other training companies also create a regional network of know-how and broaden horizons,” she said.

About the survey

The HR manager survey is carried out quarterly by the ifo Institute on behalf of the HR service provider Randstad, and surveys 500 to 1000 HR managers in German companies of different sizes and industries.

The Q4 survey focused on wage and personnel planning in the context of the shortage of skilled workers as well as the training and recruiting of apprentices. Read more here.

Editor

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