The situation on the training market continues to improve for young people, who have seen their chances of obtaining a place as a trainee rise again. Companies have recently offered more places for trainees. At the same time, young people are increasingly being taken on by the company where the train on completion of their training. According to the TVET report, the retention rate has risen from 68 per cent to74 per cent.

Number of training contracts rises again

Overall companies offered more places for trainees this year than last year. As at 30 September 2018 a total of 589,100 places were available for trainees – 16,800 more than in September 2017. All in all 531,400 training contracts were signed, which marked a significant rise of 8,100. 

The balance of supply and demand is tilting in favour of young people. Statistically 106 places are available for every 100 applicants. One year earlier the figure was 104.6.

Better chances in spite of higher demand

The improved opportunities for young people are all the more remarkable given that in 2018 for the second consecutive year demand for places also increased. One reason is the increased number of young people with a refugee background who are now applying. This group expanded markedly to 38,300.

Differences between regions and branches

As well as the achievements, the TVET report also highlights challenges on the training market. It does not always prove possible to bring vacancies and applicants together. At the end of September 2018, 57,700 places for trainees were still vacant, while 24,500 young people had no place.

This makes it all the more important to be flexible in the choice of occupation and the training location. Some parts of northern and north-east Germany have difficulties matching supply and demand, and the same is true in the Ruhr region. In the south of Bavaria and in the Münsterland and Emsland by contrast demand and supply are better aligned. It all depends on the branch. It is comparatively difficult to find trainees for places in artisanal food production, catering and the cleaning sector, while jobs in the media sector and commercial areas are much sought after. 

German government fosters TVET

The German government considers it to be particularly important to inform young people at an early stage about their opportunities, and the situation on the training market, with career orientation and guidance. This includes potentials analyses and workshops at schools, offering young people the chance to assess their interests and talents, and encouraging them to consider less well known career paths. Careers guidance is currently being stepped up at Germany’s gymnasien or grammar schools in particular.

Preventing trainees breaking off training

Ideally everyone starting a training course should also complete the course. That is why the German government is supporting trainees with "assisted training" and  "support parallel to training". This generally involves individual support and social pedagogical assistance for young people during their training.

For trainees, who risk not completing their training course, the German government has also launched a programme to prevent them breaking off.

For the coming years the German government has set itself the goal of modernising technical and vocational education and training and making it more attractive – especially for stronger school leavers. Basically, TVET is every bit as valuable as an academic education. Germany’s vocational training system enjoys an excellent reputation around the world. It is known for ensuring low youth unemployment, a high quality training and high rates of trainees being taken on full time at the end of their training.