Sigmar Gabriel, Federal Minister for for Economic Affairs and Energy, believes that Germany needs more young skilled workers

The 2016 Report on Vocational Education and Training adopted by the Federal Cabinet shows that more training places are available at companies in the current training year than was the case last year. Prognoses for 2016 are also positive. Nevertheless, training places have once again remained unfilled. In some craft trade occupations such as tinsmith and butcher, the vacancy level is as high as one in three.

Federal Minister Sigmar Gabriel stated:

"The commitment shown towards training young skilled workers by companies both large and small is impressive. These firms are securing the supply of skilled workers in the economic location of Germany and making a major contribution to the integration of the refugees that are coming to our country. Our vocational training system is a success model that is an object of envy all over the world. Nevertheless, too many training places are remaining vacant. This is mostly because companies are unable to find any appropriate applicants. Our aim is to show that dual training can be a good pathway to successful working life for many young people. Without young and motivated tradesmen, information technology specialists or nurses we will not be in a position to meet the challenges of the future."

A "Precise Recruitment" programme introduced by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs assists small and medium-sized companies with the filling of training places and the integration of foreign skilled workers.

The goal of attracting more young people to dual training was embraced by the Alliance for Initial and Continuing Training at its instigation in 2014.

Made up of representatives from the Federal Government, the Federal Employment Agency, trade and industry and the federal states, the Alliance champions more company-based training places, support provision (such as the "assisted Training" funding instrument, the development of a vocational orientation concept and better transition from school to the world of work.