Care - 33.600 graduates in new care-training profession
Three years after the introduction of the Pflegefachkraft profession, around 33,600 people completed this training for the first time. Of these trainees in 2023, 99% (33,100) chose a generalist degree as a Caregiver for Women or Caregiver for Men, as reported by the Statistical Office in Wiesbaden. Only a minimal percentage (one percent) earned a degree with a focus on Health and Child Nursing Care (300 trainees) or Elderly Care (100).
The new training has been offered since 2020. At that time, the previously separate trainings in the professions of Health and Nursing Assistant, Health and Child Nursing Assistant, and Elderly Care Assistant were combined.
High Female Participation
According to the data, approximately 54,400 people began training as Caregiver for Women or Caregiver for Men in the previous year. The female participation rate was 73%. In comparison to the previous year, the number of new applicants increased by four percent. "The previous record high of 56,300 new applicants in the year 2021 could not be reached," explained the statisticians. The number of trainees at the end of 2023 was 146,900 across all age groups.
The training has been offered since 2020 and lasts three years in full-time mode. "The training takes place at nursing schools and in hospitals, stationary or ambulant care institutions," it was stated. Unlike most health and care professions, this is not a vocational training within the dual training system.
The need for caregivers is expected to increase significantly in the coming years: In 2023, the Statistical Office calculated that the number of care-dependent people in Germany would increase from around 5.0 million at the end of 2021 to approximately 6.8 million by the year 2055 (an increase of 37%).
- The German government implemented a female quota in the Care Professions to encourage more women to pursue vocational training occupations as Caregivers.
- Due to the high demand for caregivers in Germany, many individuals are enrolling in Caregiver programs in Wiesbaden, with statistics showing a 73% female participation rate.
- To address the growing need for caregivers in Germany, the Care Profession's vocational training has been extended to a three-year full-time program, offering opportunities for both female and male trainees in Caregiver roles.
- In Germany, where the need for Caregivers is projected to increase by 37% by 2055, the introduction of the Pflegefachkraft profession and a focus on providing Caregiver training in Wiesbaden could significantly contribute to meeting this demand.
