In 2011, the two-year vocational training occupations newly created over the course of the past years again attracted great interest on part of rather more practically inclined young people. This is the result of an up-to-date survey conducted by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK).
In total, the enterprises active in this field have concluded more than 26,000 new apprenticeship contracts. This equals a growth of over 12 per cent, while the total number of apprenticeship contracts within the responsibility of the chambers of industry and commerce increased by 3.5 per cent.
The greatest demand was for the occupations of machine and equipment operator, industrial electrician and skilled personnel in the field of courier, express and mail services. In the case of these occupations, the number of new apprenticeship contracts increased considerably compared to the previous year. For instance, the occupation of machine and equipment operator saw an increase by 75 per cent.
The occupation of industrial electrician made it to the top of the list as regards growth: Here, the number of apprenticeship contracts has more than doubled compared to the previous year.
These occupations targeting more practically talented individuals have proven their worth for young people and enterprises alike and ought to be further developed. The DIHK calls upon the federal government to implement new suggestions for occupations requiring two years of vocational training as presented by the industry, such as, for instance, the occupation of skilled worker for metal engineering. Policy-makers could thereby contribute to safeguarding the future supply of skilled labour.