Demand from East Brandenburg's training companies for trainees remains almost at the same level as the previous year.
The number of training places registered with the employment agency in East Brandenburg is almost exactly the same as the previous year. In Frankfurt (Oder) and the districts of Märkisch-Oderland and Oder-Spree, employers from the regional economy and administration registered a total of 2,339 company-based apprenticeships, which is 2 fewer than in the previous year. As of September 30, 206 in-company and external training places remained unfilled, 42 fewer than a year ago.
In contrast, 1,992 young people – 208 fewer than in the previous year – from this and older graduation years took advantage of the careers advice service to find an apprenticeship. As of September 30, all but 66 young people – 4 fewer than the previous year – had found an apprenticeship, a school-based apprenticeship or another alternative.
The three most popular apprenticeships for girls were office management assistant, sales assistant and medical assistant. For boys, it was automotive mechatronics technician for cars, salesperson and retail salesperson. The most training places this year were once again for the occupations of retail clerk, sales assistant and office management assistant. The most unfilled training places as of September 30 were in the occupations of retail specialist, sales assistant and retail sales specialist.
Torsten Hesse, Managing Director Operative of the Frankfurt (Oder) Employment Agency (for FFO, MOL, LOS): "While the labor market is rather sluggish, the apprenticeship market in East Brandenburg is certainly robust: again over 2,200 registered apprenticeships in the districts of MOL, LOS and the city of Frankfurt (Oder) for the start of this year's training. At the same time, the number of known training place applicants fell slightly. I am pleased that most companies are maintaining their training performance, because the demographic hammer will hit everywhere. Those who do not provide training now will have difficulties in the coming years when it comes to having enough skilled workers and experts on board. Apprenticeships and dual study programs are the most important sources of young talent for our companies. This is where the employment agency supports those seeking training and employers. For example, with the modified entry qualification, the long-term internship – this is how employers get to know potential trainees. Or with careers advice for young people, which provides answers to all questions relating to study and career choices, even during an apprenticeship or course of study. The study and careers advice service takes place at all schools or at the employment agency, with video advice available on request."
Michael Völker, Head of the Training and Further Education Division at IHK Ost-Brandenburg (for FFO, MOL, LOS, BAR and UM): "An apprenticeship is the best start to a career. Nine out of ten trainees appreciate the direct practical relevance, which combines professional tasks with their interests and offers excellent career opportunities. One argument that is often neglected is the training pay: more than a fifth of the training companies in the IHK district of East Brandenburg pay above the standard pay scale. Even the minimum wage will increase from January 1 – this means a minimum of 682 euros in the first year of training and 955 euros over time in the fourth year of training. This is an important financial relief for many families."
Michaela Schmidt, Head of the Vocational Training Department at the Chamber of Skilled Crafts Frankfurt (Oder) – Region Ostbrandenburg (for FFO, MOL, LOS, BAR and UM): "In the coming months, we will continue to focus on our active career guidance at schools in the chamber district. The Chamber of Skilled Crafts is of course on hand to support tradespeople who offer internships. The majority of training companies in the skilled trades confirm that apprentices who found their training occupation through internships also successfully complete their apprenticeship. Students should therefore have the courage to ask companies for internships on their own. That alone demonstrates willingness and independence. That goes down well!"
