Early and good vocational orientation is crucial! Achim Dercks – every drop-out avoided is a gain made

Achim Dercks, Deputy Managing Director of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) believes that everyone involved benefits if young people have a clear idea of what is in store for them before they begin training.

"It is a disadvantage for both the trainees and for the company if someone drops out of training," said Mr. Dercks, who was speaking to the daily newspaper "Die Welt". However, half of trainees who drop out enter training again somewhere else so that "only around twelve percent actually completely discontinue their vocational education and training."

Mr. Dercks stated that every drop-out avoided is a gain made. "This is why we are continuing to target this area." He described "good and early vocational orientation" as being crucial. "The fact is that someone who knows what they want and what they can do will find it easier to opt for the right occupation."

Such an approach also enabled young people to match their expectations of an occupation against company reality at an early stage via such vehicles as practical placements. "Provision of this kind is especially important for branches in which frequent contract dissolutions take place, such as the hotel and restaurant sector," explained Mr. Dercks. "Young people entering such occupations need to bear in mind that they will be more likely to be working when their friends have time off."

He also made reference to the apprenticeship exchange operated by the chambers of commerce and industry. Young people could visit www.ihk-lehrstellenboerse.de to find information on a wide range of occupational profiles and establish contact with companies that offer vocational orientation placements.

"In addition to this, the chambers of commerce and industry are involved in the VerA Initiative, which seeks to counter training drop-out," continued Mr. Dercks. "This scheme uses volunteer senior citizens with plenty of experience of work and life, each of whom acts as a mentor to provide support to one young trainee."