Support training companies!

Dear readers!

Corona currently has the world under control, which has an immense influence on all possible areas of life. On the one hand, there are encroachments on civil liberties; while these were initially largely accepted stoically, it is now evident – especially in Germany – that citizens no longer agree with the management of governments. Even if the riots that could be seen in France did not spill over to the other countries, the acceptance of the measures is at a low point in view of the lack of prospects worldwide.
Here all (!) governments must find ways to avert the looming crisis, with a consistent vaccination strategy, with transparency and a return to democracy. It is now questionable how governments decide and implement encroachments on civil rights without the participation of parliaments.
One topic that is being completely lost at the moment is the training situation. Here too, Corona has treacherous consequences. As early as 2020, the number of training contracts concluded had dropped by 11%. According to the DGB, things look even darker for 2021.
The training system in Germany is a model for success. The dual training, which is also being considered in other European countries, ensures very good training for the apprentices. This can be seen, among other things, in the fact that 70% of the completed apprentices are taken over by the training companies. But there is a problem here: many companies had to register short-time working, and out of caution – and because they feared bankruptcy – they no longer offered any new training positions.
A good and well-founded training is not only important for the location, but also for the continued existence of the economic and professional branch.
Brigitte Röher, who unfortunately passed away, told us often enough how good and important training is and can be, and, more importantly, set an example. In her many years as a trainer, she not only looked after the training itself, but also the trainees, built them up, encouraged them and explored their strengths (and weaknesses) with them. There are many studies on the subject of education. The best known is probably the Hattie study, which was presented in 2009. Hattie focuses on the role of the teaching personality, with its example of professional skill and, more importantly, personality as one of the most important factors in education.
The place of learning is important, no question about it, according to Hattie, the feedback and the role model of the teacher are more important. Brigitte Röher has set another example here.
For the education and training of a person it is important that he not only learns motor skills, but also especially human skills, strategic thinking, planning and a feeling for artistry. The training companies play a very important role here; this is where the apprentices can learn from the trainers, as role models as well as negative examples.
How can training be saved?
The (craft) companies, and they provide the majority of the training positions, must train! For this, however, the governments must also create the conditions. The longer the wretched lockdowns are dragged out, the worse the chances. Money must be made available to the farms, at least in the form of interest-free loans with long repayment periods, so that the farms can survive. The vaccination strategies have to be adapted so that trainees can also take part in their training. You need reliable exit strategies.
This is where the Ordo-State is called upon so that its citizens can plan and live safely and, above all, future-proof. It’s almost 5 after 12. It’s time to do something, to shape it instead of just (badly and) unimaginatively managing it.
Sincerely your

Bernhard Diel

(OStRiE) is General manager of AEGRAFLEX