Thinking of skipping vocational training to dive straight into work? You’re not alone. A new study by the Bertelsmann Foundation shows that nearly one in five young people in Germany plan to do just that, but experts warn this choice could have serious long-term consequences.
The study found that 25% of students with lower levels of education want to start working immediately after school. Even among students pursuing advanced degrees, 16% expressed the same desire to “earn first.”
So why are so many skipping training? According to the study, low apprenticeship salaries and a lack of career guidance are the main reasons why young people choose to work without vocational training. Those aiming for a higher level of education also cite the availability of apprenticeships as a reason. Respondents with a lower level of education, on the other hand, more often see the problem in the application process and in their inability to demonstrate the required qualifications.
While working an unskilled job may seem like the fastest way to financial independence, experts warn it comes with risks. Without vocational qualifications, young workers face a higher chance of being stuck in low-wage jobs or even unemployed later in life.
"Obtaining vocational qualifications must be more attractive to young people than working unskilled," explained Helen Renk, an expert at the Bertelsmann Foundation for Vocational Training. "Without regular training, the risk of becoming unemployed or remaining in the low-wage sector increases."
Despite the challenges many young people face, vocational training continues to hold a solid reputation in Germany. Nearly 43% of students surveyed said they want to pursue an apprenticeship. Among those with a lower level of education, nearly nine out of ten could imagine doing so in principle.
However, these young people also assess their chances of finding a training position significantly more pessimistically. More than a third of students with low levels of education doubt that they will find a training position.
Experts believe that better career guidance in schools could help students make informed choices and avoid falling into temporary, low-paying work. “It's important to provide needs-based support, especially for young people with low levels of education, during the transition from school to work and to show them concrete training prospects," says Clemens Wieland of the Bertelsmann Foundation.
So before you rush into your first job, ask yourself: Will this path set you up for the future you want?
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