Craftsmen demand in the Basic Law: Equal rights for professions and studies!

Craftsmen demand in the Basic Law: Equal rights for professions and studies!

On September 20th, the Day of Crafts, the Aachen Chamber of Crafts spoke out with a clear demand: Politics should anchor the equivalence of vocational and academic education in the Basic Law. Chamber President Marco Herwartz knows that choosing training is an equal and, above all, future-proof choice. “There is something going on” – after all, there is a glaring discrepancy between political rhetoric and the actual implementation of this equality, which not only affects young people but also the entire economy. Because skilled workers from the trades and medium-sized businesses are essential for innovation, prosperity and public services, as the chamber emphasizes.

What is important is that journeymen, master craftsmen and other graduates of vocational training often have less access to public services than their academic colleagues. Despite the legal equality of master's titles and university degrees in the German Qualifications Framework, there is a huge problem in practice. Herwartz therefore emphasizes that master's degrees and other professional qualifications should offer the same access to positions as university degrees. This applies both to the public service and to career paths in companies and administrations.

Equivalence needs to be anchored in law

A lot is promised in the political commitments to equivalence at the state and federal level - the NRW state government aims to make North Rhine-Westphalia the “number one vocational training state”. The aspect of equivalence can also be found in the coalition agreement of the new federal government. But Herwartz warns: Without a clear anchoring in the Basic Law, this equivalence remains vulnerable. A solid legal framework is needed that guarantees planning security for companies and young people.

In addition, the Chamber of Crafts is calling for greater financial support for craft training centers. “While universities have been really supported in their expansion, the funding for the so-called craft universities is stagnating,” criticizes Herwartz. In order to increase the attractiveness of vocational training, the chamber is calling for, among other things, cheaper trainee tickets on local transport and more dormitory places for trainees.

Equal opportunities in education

Educational equity plays a central role here. This includes equal participation in educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of social background, economic situation or gender. The goal? To increase equal opportunities and promote social advancement by improving access to education. This is particularly important because various social and structural conditions significantly influence educational opportunities. It is therefore important that not only school but also vocational training is given equal support.

The education server shows how basic factors such as care, support and financial help are crucial. And where are we currently? Young people in vocational training often need the same general conditions as students in order to be successful and to ensure adequate provision in the training sector.

The Aachen Chamber of Crafts is bringing an important impetus to current education policy through its call for legal enshrinement of the equivalence of vocational and academic education. It remains to be seen whether politicians will take these signals seriously and take the appropriate steps to improve equal opportunities in education for everyone.