Randstad ifo Survey: Pandemic Makes Finding Apprentices in Germany Harder
It is becoming increasingly difficult for German companies to find suitable apprentices, according to the Randstad ifo Personnel Manager Survey. By the time apprenticeships began in September 2021, 63 percent of the companies surveyed reported problems finding apprentices, up from 45 percent the previous year, while 14 percent were unable to fill their apprenticeship positions as of the start date – slightly more than in 2020. “About half of the companies in manufacturing and trade say this is due to applicants having insufficient qualifications,” says ifo researcher Johanna Garnitz.
Only 3 percent of large companies with more than 500 employees reported unfilled apprenticeship positions. In contrast, 23 percent of smaller companies with up to 49 employees said they were unable to fill apprenticeship vacancies. “Service providers in particular are having trouble filling vacant apprenticeship positions,” Garnitz says. The figure here was 19 percent; in manufacturing it was 13 percent, and in trade 10 percent.
Turning to the theoretical and practical performance of their apprentices, the respondents expected the coronavirus pandemic to have a slightly negative impact (21 percent). While 5 percent expect performance to deteriorate, 50 percent expect performance to remain constant, and 15 percent cannot estimate how performance will develop. Only 8 percent expect slightly better performance.
Meanwhile, 39 percent of companies reported that they believed the well-being of apprentices had not changed, while 32 percent reported that apprentices’ well-being had suffered. “Particularly at present, as we transition from the coronavirus situation to the new normal, it’s important for companies that offer apprenticeships to look after their trainees and be sensitive to their concerns,” emphasizes Richard Jager, CEO of Randstad Germany. “This will help them strengthen loyalty and keep apprentices from dropping out.” Half of the companies offering apprenticeships provided their apprentices with various support services. Of these, 57 percent have invested in technical equipment and 40 percent have offered apprentices personal consultation time. Service providers in particular have sought out face-to-face discussions. Mentoring programs or coaching have been implemented by one-quarter of the companies providing assistance.
Training during the Covid-19 Pandemic – Obstacles for Businesses and Apprentices
ifo Institut, München, 2021
ifo Schnelldienst, 2021, 74, Nr. 10, 62-65
Training during the Covid-19 Pandemic − Obstacles for Businesses and Apprentices (3rd Quarter 2021)
Widely admired around the globe, the dual education system in Germany provides a key to the world of work. However, the coronavirus crisis greatly hampered school-based and on-the-job learning. Working from home and home schooling became the norm. How companies and apprentices dealt with this situation is illuminated by the special questions for the third quarter.
ifo HR Survey
In the ifo Institute's HR -survey, around 1,000 HR managers in German HR departments are asked about current topics concerning HR policy. A special focus lies on the analysis of flexibilization instruments. The panel includes companies from the manufacturing, wholesale, retail and service sectors.
