The motto of this year’s campaign week from 11th to 15th March 2024 is “A positive future with training”. As things currently stand, the chances of finding an apprenticeship are good. The number of vocational training positions reported by businesses to the federal employment agencies between October 2023 and February 2024 decreased in comparison with the previous year. Overall, businesses reported 414,000 vocational training positions, 11,000 fewer than a year ago. At the same time, the number of applicants increased by 4,000 to 286,000. As in previous years, there continue to be a lot more vacancies than applicants. Businesses continue to find it challenging to fill their apprenticeships.
In Vocational Training Week, businesses throughout Germany open their doors to future school leavers and young people interested in embarking on an apprenticeship and provide information about the vocational training they offer. Young people and their parents are able to learn all about the benefits of an apprenticeship at large-scale events. The topics covered by the individual events, of which approximately 300 are taking place across Germany, are wide-ranging. From career-oriented impulses such as “Careers for a Green Future” to a roadshow by the careers advice service of the federal employment agency which is calling at the vocational colleges in Dortmund, practical tips are also provided, including “Check your application”, “Find your dream internship” and “Become a pro! How to find your apprenticeship”.
During the week of the campaign, the federal employment agencies, Jobcenters, careers advice centres for young people and their partners in the vocational training market highlight the many different apprenticeships that are available in the 324 vocational training occupations: careers advisors provide information in personal discussions, by telephone, by video and at events about careers and the requirements for being able to embark on an apprenticeship, and respond to questions about vocational training, applications and internships.
As part of the Vocational Training Week, the service for employers at the federal employment agencies also informs people responsible for training in businesses all about how they can use in-company training to secure the skilled staff they will need tomorrow, how they can present themselves as an attractive training organisation to young people and which recruitment channels are the best for attracting apprentices. In addition, funding opportunities are also presented that help stabilise the conditions of the vocational training and support apprentices with the successful completion of their qualification.
Andrea Nahles, CEO of the Federal Employment Agency: “Vocational training is an excellent foundation for a successful working life for young people. And their chances of finding an apprenticeship are good. Despite this, however, matching young people with the right apprenticeship doesn’t happen on its own. Many young people aren’t aware that the latest technology has now arrived in even the most traditional of roles. This applies to roofers, for example, who now use drones to verify the condition of roofs. It is therefore well worth having a look behind the scenes. In Vocational Training Week, businesses and organisations that offer apprenticeships open their doors to young people and show them all the exciting possibilities. During Vocational Training Week, we support both the young people and the businesses and organisations which offer apprenticeships.”
Further information on Vocational Training Week is available on the page “AusbildungKlarmachen” (available in German).