Almost one in three bachelor's students (29 per cent) in Germany drop out of their degree. At the same time, many sectors are struggling with a shortage of well-trained skilled workers. Training positions in particular are often difficult to fill.
Bertram Brossardt, General Manager of the Bavarian Business Association (vbw) can see a constructive solution to both problems. "We have to get more higher education dropouts into training. Companies are desperately seeking the next generation of skilled workers and are very open to those unsure about studying and to higher education dropouts. Former higher education students often have a good school education, are motivated, and have relevant experience.
Many companies take account of academic achievements and allow for a shortening of the training period for former students. Companies frequently also offer a dual degree or studying alongside a job. Higher education dropouts have to recognise that the degree and vocational training are equally valued options."
The facts demonstrate that it is in fact possible to see these two paths as equal: In the period up to 2017 alone, so-called canvassers, working since 2015 as part of the "Alliance for Effective Vocational Education and Training in Bavaria," identified and advised 639 individuals from around 2500 contacts who were unsure about studying. One third remained at university and half decided against, but made a conscious decision in favour of vocational education and training - and this trend is increasing.
"The canvassers work with the career services and counselling centres at universities, but they also know the companies in their respective region. They inform those dropping out of their degree about the vocational options they have without a degree, advise them, and help them with coaching on applications and skills analysis. Their excellent network means that the canvassers are also able to bring degree dropouts into contact with interested companies. In doing so, they are 'joining the two ends together' and creating a win-win situation for all involved," explains Brossardt.
The "Alliance for Effective Vocational Education and Training in Bavaria" was established by the Bavarian state government together with the vbw, the Regional Directorate of Bavaria of the Federal Employment Agency, the Bavarian Association of Skilled Crafts, and the Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce so that companies were better able to harness the potential of degree course dropouts for training.