Hesse's Vocational Training Slump: Only 26% of Companies Offer Training

A recent report reveals a concerning trend in vocational training in Hesse. Only 26 percent of companies offered training in the 2023/2024 year, matching the low points seen in 2016 and 2021. Despite this, 56 percent of companies are now open to hiring applicants without a school leaving certificate, a significant increase from 2013.

Economy Minister Kaweh Mansoori has highlighted the challenge of the skilled worker shortage, extending the 'Training Alliance Hesse' until 2029 to address this issue. However, the fill rate for offered training places has dropped to 73 percent, down from 84 percent the previous year. Dr. Frank Martin, head of the Hesse regional directorate of the Federal Employment Agency, emphasizes the importance of flexibility in finding training opportunities and the benefits of trial work for both applicants and companies.

The report surveyed 1,068 operations, revealing that 24 percent of companies with training authorization had already signed contracts for the new training year, matching record highs from 2008 and 2018. The take-up rate of trainees reached a record high of 76 percent in 2024, with the construction industry leading at 89 percent. The manufacturing industry had the highest training participation with 43 percent, followed by the construction industry with 38 percent.

The report highlights the need for continued efforts to improve vocational training in Hesse. While there are positive signs, such as the increased openness to hiring applicants without a school leaving certificate and the high take-up rate of trainees, the low training participation rate and the decrease in the fill rate for offered training places indicate that more needs to be done.