By Stephen Peter
Pupils used to apply for apprenticeships, today companies apply to pupils so that they can start an apprenticeship with them. Upside down world in the Estrel Congress Center (Neukölln). At the training fair, almost all exhibitors said: Apprentices urgently needed!
The employment agency, IHK and chamber of crafts invited future school leavers from all over Berlin on Thursday to get them excited about vocational training. In the capital, 16,885 young people are officially looking for an apprenticeship – compared to 14,442 vacancies. In addition, there are many jobs that are not even reported to the employment agency and places at technical schools. Means: There are more apprenticeships than applicants!
The companies are courting young people, many positions remain open. “It gets worse every year,” says Ulrike Werner (39) from the Steinecke bakery chain. “We are desperately looking for trainees starting September 1st.” What about getting up early? “We also have late shifts.”
Getting up early, too hot at the oven, working on Saturdays too – Ulrike Werner (39), head of training at the Steinecke bakery, often hears these arguments. In the first year there is 900 euros per month, plus extra money for good grades and travel expenses. Photo: Sven Meissner
“We can use an apprentice in every store, but we can’t find enough,” complains Manuela Opitz (56) from the optician chain “Robin Look” (22 branches in Berlin). Head of HR Fanny Blass (51): “There are hardly any really interesting applications anymore, no CV, no cover letter, no salutation.” Worse still: If the Saturday work is mentioned in the telephone interview, some interested parties simply hang up! “It’s really horrible what’s happening on the applicant market,” says Blass.
Too few applicants, hardly anyone interested would like to work on Saturdays: Manuela Opitz (56, right) and Fanny Blass (51) from the optician chain Robin Look. In the first year there is 800 euros per month, 30 days vacation per year. Photo: Sven Meissner
Young people are also seriously asking at the stand of the pool companies whether they also have to work at the weekend – as if the outdoor and indoor pools were then closed. At the stand of a heating and plumbing company it says: “No one really wants to do hard physical work.”
Are the pumps running, are the chlorine levels correct, is there no danger in the water? All these questions are clarified by the specialist for pool operations (popularly known as the pool attendant). “We hire 20 to 22 per year,” said Pamela Artus (54) and Arne Klawunde (30) from the Berliner Bäderbetriebe Photo: Sven Meissner
The average trainee salary in Germany is around 1000 euros. In order to win over the school leavers, the companies have come up with a few extras: Almost all of them pay the trainees the BVG ticket, some pay for membership in the gym, and there are bonuses for good performance. Special payments or Christmas bonuses are also often the norm.
Not only that: “We have three training supervisors who are available to the trainees if they have social problems. If your girlfriend has run away and the dog has died, you can also call them at eleven in the evening,” says Helmut Arndt (57) from the civil engineering company Frisch & Faust.
“We are looking for 30 trainees every year. If we get 20, we’ll be happy,” says Helmut Arndt (57) from the civil engineering company Frisch & Fist. In the first year there is 862 euros, plus bonuses for success and a meal allowance. Photo: Sven Meissner
Problem: The wages of trainees from Hartz IV families are taken into account, so they have to give up a part. “It’s a huge injustice, it really annoys me,” says Kai Wegner (50, CDU). Berlin’s governor spent an hour and a half looking around the fair, listening carefully to the concerns and needs of the companies.
Wegner on the BZ: “I’ve experienced a lot of companies that are interested in training and want to give young people a chance. Now we have to ensure that the young people get into the workplace. The offer is varied and great in Berlin. And everyone has the chance to find an apprenticeship.
But we want to work
Sarina (20): “I’m currently doing my vocational diploma and had a one-year internship at the Charité. I want to become a nursing professional. Working in shifts and at weekends is part of it. I want to help people in the hospital!” Photo: Sven Meissner
Louis (15): “I would like to be a carpenter. I already had an internship in January, which I really enjoyed. I really got the urge to keep going. I don’t mind getting up early” Photo: Sven Meissner
Stian (16): “I’m looking for a one-year internship in the field of business and administration for a technical high school diploma. Then I would like to become a real estate agent or bank clerk. I’m interested in that!” Photo: Sven Meissner