Zypries: Early vocational orientation is important

A study entitled "Training or degree? —How companies can support upper secondary school leavers with career orientation" by the Centre of Excellence for securing the supply of skilled labour (KOFA), and funded by the Department for Economic Affairs, shows that many upper secondary school leavers assess career opportunities with a training certificate as significantly worse than with a degree.

Brigitte Zypries, Federal Minister of Economic Affairs: "Our companies are reliant on well-trained skilled workers. To continue being successful in the future, we need smart people. Early career orientation is important in the decision to opt for a degree or training. A visit to the university is just as much part of this as company tours. Good vocational and digital initial and continuing education and training secures the supply of skilled workers of tomorrow and provides young people with outstanding vocational prospects. Dual vocational education and training in Germany is a model of success in this respect and is also a leading export. It frequently offers a very good future away from campus and lecture theatres."

The KOFA study is based on data from the National Education Panel and shows that around 63 per cent of all upper secondary school leavers surveyed visited a university with their school, while only 46 per cent visited a company. However, many upper secondary school leavers actually regard practice-based provision such as company visits and orientation weeks as particularly helpful. Approximately 58 per cent of upper secondary school leavers felt they were well informed about a degree, but only 39 per cent felt well informed about training.

KOFA supports SMEs in all matters relating to the issue of ensuring provision of skilled workers and personnel work.