If there are problems with training, trainees can find help here

For some trainees everything runs smoothly when they start training. Vocational school, the boss and colleagues are all fantastic. However problems do occur now and again. It may be the case, for example, that this is the wrong occupation. What then?

Starting training is a major change particularly if you have just finished school. This is entirely normal, but problems may arise as a result according to Ulrike Friedrich, training expert at the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce. "The question is, how do we deal with this?" It is important to know where you can find help for different types of difficulties.

Vocational school matters: Trainees frequently have to struggle with poor grades in vocational school, or with the feeling that they are falling behind. Friedrich explains that many companies then offer learning support or extra tuition. The Federal Employment Agencies' 'support guides for training' are free to use, and offer an alternative.

"Exam preparation, help with theory-based or practical follow-up work or tutoring in German - if you are struggling to keep up in the vocational school then help is available here," explains Paul Ebsen of the Federal Employment Agency. Ebsen explains that the tutoring is led by social education specialists who also provide advice for trainees on problems outside teaching and who can arrange conversations with teachers and trainers. Those who are interested should approach the local employment agency.

The company: "Trainees sometimes do not cope in a company even though they enjoy the occupation - this may occur, for example, if there are problems on a personal level with the trainer," described Friedrich, adding that, in this case, it is advisable to talk to the trainer first. "Often the trainee and the trainer have different expectations."

Addressing problems openly gives the person concerned and the trainer the opportunity to change something about the situation. If that does not help, trainees can approach the chamber responsible for them. "In a personal interview, training advisors help trainees to identify the precise cause of the problems and what solutions are available." Friedrich explains that if the chemistry between the trainee and the company is just not right, the training advisers also offer help with changing companies.

Personal problems: Whether it is exam worries or difficulties at home, personal problems can also make it difficult for young people to complete their training. Personal support is then available for them in the Vera project run by the Senior Experts Service which aims to prevent trainees dropping out of training. The initiative establishes contact between young people who are having problems in training and retired people who themselves have vocational experience and who offer voluntary support.

Brigitte Luckhardt explains that young people can approach their mentors with any worries which are distracting them from their training. "The regular personal contact creates a relationship based on trust which makes it easier for young people to discuss their problems," explains Luckhardt. How often trainees meet their mentors and the content to be discussed is agreed between the two of them. "Many trainees appreciate the flexibility in terms of the timing of the voluntary support and agree to meetings in the evenings or at the weekends," commented Luckhardt. Support may be provided through to the end of the training.

Wrong occupation: Even if you have thought beforehand long and hard about which training you wish to complete, sometimes you do not see it is the wrong occupation until you are fully involved. Friedrich advises young people in such a situation to think about how much of the training has already been completed. She explains that it is often sensible to first complete training which has been started and then to look for a new or complementary vocational direction.

"In most cases, training is likely to be the start of professional life and the combination of two different types of training may also be very attractive for employers as they complement each other well." "Those who are certain that they do not wish to complete the training have a number of options. "If the basic chemistry between the company and the trainee is right, then sometimes a move within the company to another occupation is possible." If the only option remaining is to terminate training, young people can approach the Federal Employment Agency and, together with an advisor, look for alternative training and a different company.