Survey: Germans Bemoan Lack of Appreciation for Skilled Occupations

The survey also found that the trend among the younger generation is increasingly toward a college education. 42 percent of young respondents reported an intention to pursue degree studies, while just over a quarter (27 percent) plan to complete in-company training.

Respondents from this age group cited poor pay (38 percent) and the lack of social recognition for skilled occupations (27 percent) as the main reasons why so many of the training positions currently on offer remain unfilled. Meanwhile, the majority of those ruling out a college education said that they wanted to earn money immediately after leaving school (23 percent), that they lack the necessary qualifications or that studying did not fit into their life plans (both 20 percent).

Nearly one-fifth (17 percent) of the 16- to 22-year-olds have no graduation certificate and do not intend to obtain one. A further 17 percent are still undecided with regard to vocational training. “In the current situation, we cannot afford to lose anyone from the labor market. The objective must be to provide career prospects for every person of employable age,” says Reinhart. “We must empower those who lack the qualifications required for vocational training to obtain them. To this end, we at Continental offer young people as well as older employees, refugees and people without formal qualifications a so-called entry qualification. This allows them to be integrated into the skilled labor market through vocational training.” The one-year entry qualification course is comparable to a long-term internship of 6 to 12 months. During this period, the participants get to know the basics of their skilled occupation as well as Continental as a company. Assuming they achieve the level required, they can then take part in one of 19 vocational training programs.