The country cannot leave young people behind

by time news

Despite all the justified anger about the federal government’s coping with the pandemic: at least the labor market has so far defied the corona crisis. The Federal Employment Agency (BA) has put a lot of money into its own hands: Around 52 billion euros – for example for short-time work benefits or pandemic-related unemployment benefits – have been invested in the last two years alone to prevent the economy from collapsing. This mission was a success, in October just 2.38 million people were unemployed. The German job miracle continues, and that is also thanks to politicians.

Training: Smaller companies in particular have problems

However, it is worth taking a closer look at the labor market. Apart from all the cheers, there has been trouble there for a long time – and it is no coincidence. The latest figures published by the Nuremberg Institute for Employment Research (IAB) on Thursday are a wake-up call. Almost 40 percent of the apprenticeship positions offered had not been allocated by September in the current apprenticeship year. In the case of smaller companies, it is half. And even more than 60 percent on construction.

The reasons are quickly found. There are too few applicants. And those who want often don’t fit. A classic case of “mismatch”, then, where supply and demand are not compatible. This phenomenon is not new. The only thing that has happened is: far too little. Young people sometimes lack the awareness that dual training also opens up diverse career paths. And not just studying. But the companies are also challenged. You should also give applicants a chance who do not fit at first glance. Already in my own interest. Germany is heading for a massive shortage of skilled workers, the baby boomers will soon be retiring. The country cannot afford to leave young people behind.

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