Azubi shortage in farms reaches new record level
More companies than ever are complaining about a lack of young talent. Almost half (49 percent) of all training companies in the chambers of industry and commerce (IHKs) were unable to fill all their apprenticeship positions last year. "This is a new record low," the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) reported in its training survey of 13,000 companies.
A year ago, it was 47 percent. More than a third (35 percent) of companies struggling to fill positions said they didn't receive any applications at all. That's around 30,000 training companies left empty-handed. The industries most affected are industry, hospitality, retail, transport, and construction.
"The figures highlight the growing challenges on the apprenticeship market. Small businesses are struggling the most," said Achim Dercks, deputy head of the DIHK: "The skills shortage is already starting with apprentices."
The reasons for the shortage are varied, from demographic changes to the lack of effective career guidance. "It would be helpful if schools allocated more time for career orientation," said Dercks. Economic, financial, or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) topics should play a bigger role.
However, school leavers should also bring sufficient basic competencies for vocational training. This includes a minimum of mathematics and German language skills, willingness to learn, and social skills. "Our education system needs to improve in this area," said Dercks.
The 47% figure from the previous year now represents a record low, making it a new instance of ['record high'] vacancies in apprenticeship positions that companies were unable to fill. Despite the absence of applications in over a third of the affected companies, the skills shortage is already affecting starting apprenticeships, as highlighted by Dercks.
