Training satisfaction continues to decline: Only 69.8% of trainees are satisfied

What is the current situation for German apprentices? Apparently not so positive, as overall satisfaction with apprenticeships has declined for another year in a row: at 69.8%, a new low has been reached this time, as shown by the recently published apprenticeship report by the German Trade Union Confederation. In addition, 29.5% of apprentices have dropped out of their training. One of the report's key demands is therefore to strengthen the role of trainers.

Some may find these figures surprising, while others may not. The German training market has been struggling with problems for some time. The training company rate has fallen to a historic low of 19%, and only half of all companies are even authorized to provide training. It's a vicious circle – the demand for skilled workers is growing steadily, but the number of companies that have the capacity and structures to train people is declining.

This year's report focuses on support in the workplace. Among other things, this is crucial for the quality of training and, more importantly, for the satisfaction of trainees. Although just under 91% of trainees have formal trainers, the personal feedback provided by the trainers leaves much to be desired. A lack of time on the part of the trainers means that more than half of all trainees receive personal feedback on their work less than once a month.

Dissatisfaction with training varies greatly across the different sectors. It is particularly high in sectors where there are no collectively agreed wages, where trainees have to perform tasks outside their field of expertise and where they have to work overtime. This allows clear conclusions to be drawn about what needs to be changed. The DGB's clear demands are therefore: to ensure closer supervision by trainers, to increase the minimum wage and to offer trainees permanent contracts in the companies where they are trained.

We were also interested in the following topics:

• Migration: While migration is a hotly debated topic in the East German election campaign, a study by the IW Cologne shows that foreign workers in particular are a fundamental pillar of the East German economy.

• Heat: An article in the SZ outlines the rights of employees in the current high summer temperatures.

• Generation Z: The Handelsblatt discusses how the generational problem between Gen Z, millennials, and boomers can be solved in the labor market.

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