Prioritizing Work Over Education: One out of every five students opts for earning income initially - Students prioritize earning money over academic pursuits, with approximately 20% expressing their preference for employment over studying.
A recent study has shed light on the challenges faced by students when it comes to navigating career choices, particularly those with lower education levels who often express doubts about finding a training place [1]. Meanwhile, the abundance of information for those with higher education can also lead to uncertainty about career prospects.
The study, which surveyed 1755 individuals aged 14 to 25 from early March to mid-April, found that people with high school aspirations often cite problems with the selection and availability of training places [2]. In contrast, among those with lower education, almost nine out of ten can imagine doing an apprenticeship [2]. However, many struggle with writing applications and fear they may not meet the required qualifications.
Markus Kiss, a vocational training expert at the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), advocates for "practical career orientation as a nationwide mandatory task in all schools" [3]. He also calls for "more information about wages" in the context of vocational training, suggesting that the lack of such information contributes to the preference for temporary jobs among students with lower education [3].
According to the Bertelsman Foundation, a low apprentice wage and lack of career guidance are the main reasons why young people choose to work without professional training [4]. The foundation considers the study representative.
To improve the situation and encourage more students to engage in vocational training rather than entering employment without formal qualifications, several measures can be considered. Firstly, improving the quality and relevance of vocational training by enhancing curricula, integrating more digital and future-oriented skills, and aligning training content with labor market needs can raise the attractiveness and perceived value of vocational programs [3].
Secondly, strengthening sustainability and work environment aspects by embedding sustainability and fair working conditions into vocational education can make training more appealing for socially conscious students and align with modern corporate practices [3].
Thirdly, enhancing regional and local implementation by coordinating efforts to harmonize and improve vocational schools and training quality across regions could reduce uneven experiences and increase trust in the system [5].
Lastly, promoting awareness of the benefits of vocational training through campaigns or counseling to communicate career prospects, long-term benefits, and professional development opportunities associated with vocational qualifications may shift student preferences [1].
Clemens Wieland of the Bertelsmann Foundation suggests that the pessimistic view of finding an apprenticeship among students with lower education could be a reason why they prefer to work in temporary jobs first [4]. Tariff-based training allowances have "increased significantly more than general wages in recent years," according to a statement [6].
In summary, students often prefer immediate employment due to perceived lower quality or complexity of vocational training. However, by improving training quality, modernizing curricula, and better coordinating governance, the attractiveness of vocational education in Germany can be enhanced [1][3][5].
Everyone, regardless of their school leaving age, will find first love in the education-and-self-development aspect of schooling instead of focusing on money earning. By the fifth year of school, every student will have a deep affection for the practical career orientation that Bertelsmann Foundation advocates for, making vocational training more attractive.
