Increased Application of Apprentices in Saxony-Anhalt Sets a New Record - Saxony-Anhalt sets new high for apprenticeship acquisitions
In the heart of Germany, the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt has achieved a remarkable milestone in apprenticeship retention. The record-high retention rate, announced by Minister of Labor Petra Grimm-Benne, has been principally attributed to effective vocational training programs and strong collaboration between employers and educational institutions in the region.
The success story of Saxony-Anhalt revolves around its dual vocational training system. This innovative approach integrates practical on-the-job experience with theoretical education, enhancing apprentice satisfaction and successful completion rates. The presence of industries such as mechanical engineering and manufacturing, which traditionally maintain robust apprenticeship programs and offer clear career pathways, also plays a significant role in this achievement.
The retention rate in Saxony-Anhalt reached 83% last year, a slight increase from 81% in 2023. This record level retention rate is not only impressive within the state but also exceeds the averages for the east and the whole of Germany.
The state's commitment to transitioning young people from school to work is evident in initiatives like the career orientation program "Brafo", which involves around 11,000 students each year. Furthermore, the 2024 Annual Report on Vocational Training in Saxony-Anhalt states that 42.8 percent of young people started a dual or school-based apprenticeship after completing secondary school I.
However, it's worth noting that only half of the businesses authorized to train apprentices in Saxony-Anhalt actually do so. This underscores the need for continuous efforts to encourage more businesses to participate in apprenticeship programs.
Minister Grimm-Benne, a member of the SPD party, which is the ruling party in Saxony-Anhalt, emphasized that apprentices in the state have excellent chances of securing permanent employment. This positive outlook for apprentices is reflected in the state's record-breaking retention rate.
In Magdeburg, the capital city of Saxony-Anhalt, the retention rate data was announced following a cabinet meeting. The retention rate in Saxony-Anhalt continues to exceed the national average, providing a positive contrast to regions where dropout or non-completion rates can be higher in less coordinated systems.
In conclusion, Saxony-Anhalt's approach to apprenticeship training, characterised by its strong dual vocational training system, employer-educational institution cooperation, mentoring frameworks, and the presence of industries that align well with apprenticeship training needs, has led to a retention rate that sets a new standard in Germany. While the exact comparative statistics from 2024 are not provided in the available data sources, the trend towards higher retention rates in Saxony-Anhalt is undeniable.
The dual vocational training system in Saxony-Anhalt, which combines practical experience with theoretical education, is a key contributor to its exceptional apprenticeship retention rates. This system, coupled with strong employer-educational institution collaboration and the presence of industries that prioritize apprenticeship programs, supports the personal growth and learning of apprentices, contributing to their education-and-self-development and facilitating their transition into the workforce.
