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Students in the lecture hall (in Hohenheim)
Photo: Sebastian Gollnow / picture alliance / dpa
SPIEGEL:
Mr. Anbuhl, there is a shortage of trainees in the business world. Hans Peter Wollseifer, president of the trades, is calling for a "turnaround in education" and says it's "wrong way" that so many young people are studying.
Is he right?
Anbuhl:
Of course not.
His thesis of an alleged "over-academicization" of our society can be refuted by a simple fact check: Academics are welcomed into the labor market by companies.
With an unemployment rate of around two percent, they have almost full employment.
SPIEGEL:
Good earning opportunities in the trades are also mentioned again and again in the discussion.
Anbuhl:
A look at the National Education Report helps.
It shows that people with a degree receive higher hourly wages than employees with vocational training.
The gap even widened here between 2000 and 2019.
The market therefore gives a clear answer: Academic qualifications are in demand – also among companies.
If you are serious about countering the shortage of skilled workers, you should stop juxtaposing professional and academic education.
SPIEGEL:
What could such cooperation look like?
Anbuhl:
Whether young people decide to do an apprenticeship or study depends on their interests, talents, attractive working conditions and good earning potential.
Here are the adjusting screws that companies can turn.
There is still a long way to go before everything is exhausted.
SPIEGEL:
What do you mean by that?
Anbuhl:
There are almost 1.4 million young people between the ages of 20 and 29 who do not have a vocational qualification – many of whom have completed a secondary school or an intermediate school.
This is an enormous potential for skilled workers that has not yet been tapped.
more on the subject
Because there is a lack of trainees: the trade association calls for an »educational turnaround« against a shortage of skilled workers
Over-academicization: descent through education A column by Nikolaus Blome
SPIEGEL:
So you reject the legislature increasing the attractiveness of training?
Anbuhl:
How should that work?
Through a compulsory secondary school quota?
By limiting the number of study places?
No, the craft itself has to become active.
In any case, criticizing young people for other educational decisions does not make vocational training any more attractive.
