When the top job does not require a degree course

For many young people in Germany the answer to the question of how to obtain a good job no longer seems to be an apprenticeship, but a degree course. But there are also examples to prove the contrary.

Tobias Rotard knows how a pair of trousers widens with the body's heat. He learnt that, back then in his apprenticeship. He still knows it, but a lot has happened since then. Today, at 27 years of age, Rotard has about 60 employees and is responsible for sums in the double-digit million range.

The managing director of the 'SinnLeffers' fashion chain's branch near Mainz Cathedral has quickly advanced in his career. A degree course, still regarded as the door opener to top jobs by many career entrants, was not necessary to get there.

This is why Rotard is an interesting case in the debate about the alleged 'academisation craze' in Germany. Only recently, the Vocational Education and Training Report once more revealed that the number of new apprenticeship contracts is in decline.

One of the reasons given is "an increase in the tendency to a degree course." Meanwhile, the student numbers hit a new record high. This is why one repeatedly hears voices from industry and politics identifying the trend as a problem. In particular, they say, it is increasingly difficult to adequately fill job openings.

Yet what can be held against the "tendency to a degree course"? "My motivation to continue going to school after graduating from middle school was limited; it was simply too theoretical for me", says Rotard. So, aged 15, he began an apprenticeship.

Starting at a family business for menswear, he worked his way up the career ladder bit by bit. Whereas many university graduates of his age only now arrive in the employment market, he has already gained many years of professional experience.

Yet it is also clear that Rotard is a kind of poster boy of the apprenticeship sector. Even the federal state government uses him to advertise its skilled labour campaign. His career cannot be generalised.

"Whether one can forge a good career in a company from an apprenticeship is also dependent on the business, on whether those in charge actually check: does he have it or not?", says Steffen Schüpferling, who runs a careers service in Alzey. "It often actually is the case that employees with a degree get into the better positions faster."

However, the career advisor has also been finding for some time now that these days the attainment of a university entrance qualification if at all possible seems to be virtually taken for granted. Yet this, he says, is not always the most sensible path. "Many pupils stand there after their exams and ask themselves: what did I actually complete my university entrance qualification for?"

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Koblenz identifies further arguments in favour of an apprenticeship. "Over the course of the next few years, the demographic and education policy development will ensure that vocational and advanced training graduates will be in higher demand than academically pre-qualified career entrants of the same age", says education expert Bernhard Meiser.

Those who complete an apprenticeship with subsequent advanced training achieve a qualification at the bachelor level, but earn money from the start and do not have to enter into the market together with many others like university graduates. "In the long term and on average, the income opportunities are no worse either."

However, in this debate the Confederation of German Employers (BDA) warns about driving a wedge between the world of vocational education and training and the university world. "Businesses need graduates both from the fields of academic and vocational education", says a spokesperson.

In his job, Tobias Rotard witnesses how these two worlds can overlap. His business employs also students as temporary help. "It often occurs that they ask me: could I possibly also get an apprenticeship here? What I am currently doing is not what I want."