Vocational education and training in the public sector

Recognizing the best training graduates in the Department for Economic Affairs.

"Vocational education and training in Germany is a success model and provides young people with the ideal basis for making the transition into working life. The prospects for an interesting and attractive career are excellent as there is an almost desperate search under way in business and administration for well-qualified skilled workers".

This was emphasized by Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Iris Gleicke, as part of a ceremony to recognize the best 2016 examination candidates in the ministry and its subsidiary authorities.

19 examination candidates from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Federal Institute of Physics and Metrology, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Federal Office of Economics and Export Control, Federal Network Agency and the Federal Cartel Office were personally presented with the special award by the Parliamentary State Secretary.

They had not only impressed in the final examinations but had also demonstrated outstanding performance throughout the entire training. This year, once again, three graduates from a dual course of study were recognised who, in addition to the vocational education and training, also managed to successfully complete a degree.

The good outcomes in the qualifications are also proof of the quality of the training itself. The Department for Economic Affairs and its subsidiary authorities currently have 458 trainees in 20 training occupations and are therefore making an exemplary contribution to the success of the Federal Government's Alliance for Initial and Continuing education and Training.

Training is not only provided in the area of traditional public administration but also in industrial and technical occupations. The group of outstanding graduates therefore also includes two electronics technicians for devices and systems, two chemical laboratory technicians, two physics laboratory technicians, one information technology specialist, one IT system electronics technician, one precision machinist and one electronics technician specialising in energy and building technology. Ms Gleicke also used the event to thank the trainees present for their professional and personal commitment.

The Parliamentary State Secretary was also particularly keen to refer to the importance of vocational education and training for the integration of young people from a migration background and for refugees. "In both the medium and long-term, this can certainly contribute to ensuring the demand for skilled workers is met for business also in the public sector. Our experiences show that these young people in general are highly motivated."