Digitalization, Industry 4.0, demographic change: Against this backdrop, qualifications and knowledge are becoming increasingly important—while their half-life is growing ever shorter. New professions are emerging, and existing ones are changing: Instead of a mechatronics technician, an IT systems mechatronics technician will be needed in the future; instead of a secretary, an office manager is in demand; and new training programs are being developed for mathematical-technical software developers and production technologists—to name just a few examples.
Adapting Content to New Requirements
A study by the digital industry association Bitkom also confirms that Industry 4.0 and digitalization are transforming the economy and are not sparing the dual vocational training system. “One in four companies believes that digitalization will necessitate entirely new apprenticeship occupations,” the study states, adding: “Three-quarters of the 1,500 managing directors and HR managers surveyed believe that existing apprenticeship programs will need to be adapted in terms of content as a result.”
The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) shares a similar view. A recent analysis states that the digitization of the workplace will require all workers to have stronger IT skills in the future, across all occupations and industries.
With regard to dual vocational training, it is therefore crucial to identify content that will become important in the future and adapt it accordingly so that no one is left behind.
This has already been achieved in the training programs for production mechanics and foundry mechanics. These occupations were brought in line with current requirements in 2013 through so-called reorganization procedures. Other dual vocational training programs—such as the four IT professions: IT Specialist, IT Systems Electronics Technician, IT Systems Business Administrator, and IT Business Administrator—are currently being revised.
What many people don’t know is that IG Metall also plays a key role in this restructuring process. Its experts from the workplaces—often master craftsmen, trainers, and examiners—develop the training content together with employer representatives. In doing so, they always keep in mind: What do the trainees need to be able to handle their work in the workplace, even ten or twenty years from now?
However, a good apprenticeship also requires sufficient time to learn the material. In IG Metall’s view, the ongoing discussion about modularizing apprenticeships, introducing two-year programs, or shortening three-and-a-half-year programs to three years runs counter to this goal. For this reason, the union opposes “lightweight” apprenticeships and shortened training programs.
Improving the Quality of Training
If the German model of dual vocational training is to remain successful, however, it is not enough simply to make its content future-proof. The existing apprenticeship positions must also be of high quality in terms of working conditions. And here, too, there is a need for action, as the results of the DGB Apprenticeship Report 2015 show. Here are a few examples:
- Nearly 40 percent (38.1) of apprentices regularly work overtime.
- Just under a third of all apprentices (31.1 percent) do not receive regular support from their trainers.
- Even in their third year of training, more than 44 percent still don’t know whether they’ll be hired after completing their training.
- Just 55.5 percent of the trainees surveyed rate the technical quality of vocational school instruction as “very good” or “good.”
Modern.bilden.: “Revolution Bildung” Enters a New Phase
IG Metall Youth’s “Revolution Bildung” campaign aims to shape educational and employment opportunities for young people in line with these demands and expectations.
Under the slogan “modern.bilden.,” the campaign is now entering a new phase: In addition to implementing part-time vocational training in the workplace, the focus is now on amending the Vocational Training Act. This is because, in IG Metall’s view, there is much room for improvement here. The demand for a statutory apprenticeship guarantee and free access to teaching materials are just two aspects of this.
Learn more here about the Vocational Training Act and IG Metall’s demands regarding its amendment.
