However, not all young people are benefiting to the same extent from the opportunities on the training market. Too many young people are still leaving school without any concrete vocational prospects. Although many training opportunities are theoretically available to them, many young people without vocational qualifications are registered as unemployed and are looking for a job as a helper. In July, that was 183,000 unemployed people under the age of 25. Of the 117,000 registered young people who are still searching, more than a third have already looked for an apprenticeship in the last five years. Reasons for this can include the wrong career or study choices, lack of school-leaving qualifications or personal reasons which led to a premature end to the apprenticeship or course of studies.
The Federal Employment Agency (BA) assists young people and companies with different support options so that a vocational qualification is eventually obtained.
Support options from the BA
Assisted training (AsA)
Assisted training helps young people to find and complete a suitable apprenticeship. The programme includes remedial and special tuition, which can reduce language and educational deficits and consolidate theoretical content, socio-pedagogical support, and assistance with exam preparation or in crisis situations. Companies are also supported in the management, organisation and carrying out of the apprenticeship or entry-level vocational qualification. To this end, the BA provides companies and trainees with a permanent contact person to supervise their training.
Prevocational education scheme (BvB)
A prevocational education scheme is an option for those who are no longer required to attend school and is helpful for young people who do not yet know which profession would suit them. They get to know various occupational fields and different companies and can in this way find out which profession could be the right one for them. In the same way, a BvB can also help when young people have broken off an apprenticeship and are looking for new opportunities.
Entry-level qualification (EQ)
An entry-level qualification is a long-term internship subject to social security contributions and represents a bridge to an in-company apprenticeship. Employers who take on young people in the framework of an in-company entry-level qualification receive grants for internship remuneration plus a flat-rate share of the total social insurance contribution. Companies get to know potential apprentices through the entry-level qualification. Young people get to know the appropriate vocational training and can demonstrate their skills and discover their potential.
External vocational training (BaE)
External vocational training makes it possible for young people who cannot be trained in a company, even with training support services (e.g. assisted training), to obtain a training qualification. The vocational training takes place at a training provider commissioned by the BA. The BaE is offered in two models: in the workshops of the training provider (integrative form) or in cooperation with a recognised training company (cooperative form). In both models, a transition to in-company training is aimed at for as early as possible.
Young people can find out about local vocational guidance – both in-person and virtual – on our Personal Vocational Guidance website (available in German). The service for employers can lend its support to the companies on-site or via 0800 4 5555 20.
Further approaches for making it easier to start a career can be found in our Workers' and Skilled Workers' Brochure (available in German).