According to a new study by the Competency Center for Skilled Workforce (Kofa), a significant majority of German businesses are advocating for external, government-supported assistance programs tailored to apprentices who are struggling academically. The findings, reported by the “Rheinische Post” highlight a growing recognition of the challenges faced in ensuring consistently high-quality vocational training.
Kofa, commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, supports businesses in their efforts to recruit and qualify skilled workers. The study’s foundation is a survey conducted by the Institute for German Economy, gathering responses from 820 personnel managers up to the beginning of 2024. The survey focused on strategies for maintaining strong apprenticeship quality.
The study reveals that 55% of training companies are seeking increased external support specifically for apprentices experiencing performance deficits. Notably, approximately 71% of companies already actively support struggling apprentices. Kofa attributes this trend partly to the difficulties businesses face in filling apprenticeship positions, leading to a willingness to hire individuals who may require additional support. The report also highlights emerging data indicating a rise in fundamental skill deficiencies, such as reading and writing, among school students, further complicating the apprenticeship landscape.