Shocking training results: 215 places unfilled in the region!

Shocking training results: 215 places unfilled in the region!

In Cologne, young people face an exciting, albeit challenging, future. The 2024/2025 training year is approaching, and while many schools are laying off their graduates, an alarming number remain uncared for. Loud Localdirect 240 young people are searching in vain for training places, while at the same time 215 apprenticeship positions remain empty. This is an imbalance that not only affects students, but also puts pressure on the entire economy.

The reason for this disproportion is a complex interplay of factors. Many training positions in trade and industry remain unfilled. The economic situation plays its part: job cuts and bankruptcies are the order of the day, as the press conference at Elektro Busch Jäger made clear. The job cuts and the declining number of training places - 20% fewer training places were offered in the last two years - are alarming signals for the future.

Challenges in the training market

There are many reasons for the difficulties in the training market. Young people often apply too late or have difficulty meeting the requirements in the MINT subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology). daily news reports that there is a shortage of around 163,600 skilled workers in MINT professions in Germany. The energy and electrical sectors are particularly affected, where there are currently 57,800 job vacancies.

There is also a social problem: many young people have incorrect self-assessments and unrealistic ideas about the requirements for training. The forecast that the next Abitur class of 2026 could be missing due to the switch from G8 to G9 is particularly fatal. This could lead to an oversupply of apprenticeships, which cannot be filled by unqualified graduates.

The need for further training

In the current situation, the Chamber of Crafts is calling for increased re-qualification of unskilled people in order to reduce the shortage of well-trained skilled workers. Entrepreneurs are also asked to invest more in the further training of their employees. In order to avert the impending shortage of skilled workers, companies must act now to develop their future skilled workers from within their own ranks.

A long-term solution could be to support young people interested in the MINT field, especially women who are underrepresented in these fields. The discussion about shorter and simplified training paths for weaker students is also gaining momentum - could these measures be the key to a better training rate?

In summary, the signs in Cologne point to change in the training market. It is up to the community of schools, companies and training authorities to find solutions together to offer young people the best possible opportunities for a successful start into the professional world.