Frankfurt am Main – The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted young people’s employment and training situations, their personal well-being, and their plans for the future. This is the conclusion reached by IG Metall’s “Plan B” youth study. In collaboration with youth researcher Simon Schnetzer, the union surveyed a total of 3,229 young people, providing a comprehensive picture of the current generation of apprentices, dual-track students, and young employees.
What sets this study—conducted between January and March 2021—apart is its focus on the workplace experiences of young adults, supplemented by descriptions of their personal situations. This clearly illustrates how the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped the younger generation both professionally and personally, and highlights the need for action. And this need is urgent: Among the apprentices surveyed, half (50 percent) report a decline in motivation, while 43 percent note a decline in the practical relevance of their training. Fifty-three percent believe that this period has reduced their prospects on the job market.
Christiane Benner, Vice Chair of IG Metall, makes it clear that urgent action is needed: “We have it here in black and white: young people are currently facing an uncertain and challenging situation. If plans have been derailed by the pandemic, new plans are needed, and we all have a responsibility to support them. At this point, I appeal to employers: Do everything possible! Take advantage of the apprenticeship bonus, think about the future, and remember that you will urgently need these skilled workers during the transformation.”
If the situation does not improve sustainably for the younger generation, serious consequences are to be expected. The result would be a rise in youth unemployment coupled with a shortage of skilled workers. The warning signs are already there: For the first time since German reunification, the number of completed apprenticeship positions in Germany fell below 500,000 in 2020. In IG Metall’s youth study, just under 40% of young respondents say they are completely or partially reorienting their careers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many young people are therefore without prospects or must create new ones for themselves.
But the pandemic has had significant consequences for the younger generation not only professionally but also personally. 61 percent of respondents report that their mental health deteriorated during this time. A lack of social contact, anxiety, and uncertainty are taking a toll on young adults. One in two respondents (51%) said they felt they could no longer control their own lives.
Young people appreciate the commitment shown by strong works council members as well as youth and apprentice representatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the major challenges, they want to continue getting involved themselves. 78 percent say it is important to them to work toward a future worth living, and 76 percent say they want to fight against injustice.
Christiane Benner comments: “Experiencing participation and co-determination shows the younger generation that it’s worth getting involved. As a society, we can only benefit from this. That’s why, at IG Metall, we promote engagement and dedication, thereby making co-determination a tangible reality for the younger generation.”
To prevent the emergence of a “Corona Generation” in the medium or long term—one that suffers professional or personal harm—employers and policymakers must act immediately. High-quality apprenticeship positions must be maintained and expanded. Where training takes place, apprentices must be hired upon completion. The same applies to dual-track students, whose legal equality with apprentices is a long-overdue priority.
The results of the study can be accessed at/vorstand/en/jugend/studie-plan-b and are freely available for reporting purposes with the source citation “IG Metall.”
Further information and press photos of Christiane Benner
IG Metall Youth Study Plan B – Data Report
