Companies in the automotive industry are currently facing major challenges in coping with demographic change. Employees from the baby boomer generation are increasingly retiring and are no longer available to the labour market. At the same time, there are smaller and, in some cases, less qualified cohorts of young people. This is reflected in fewer applications, especially for technical apprenticeships. The quality of applications is declining, while the basic requirements for potential trainees are increasing.
The mission set itself the goal of creating a uniform understanding of the problem in the automotive industry in Baden-Württemberg, discussing the issues with all social partners and small and medium-sized enterprises in Baden-Württemberg, and developing concrete recommendations for action and implementation measures. Among other things, it was determined that there was a need for reform with regard to the number and content of apprenticeship occupations in line with contemporary requirements and job profiles, as well as a need for greater transparency and increased attractiveness of apprenticeship occupations in the state's automotive industry. On this basis, a joint dialogue was established to revive the initiative to reorganise job profiles and develop contemporary training content, as well as a forum for the transfer of best-practice initiatives in relation to training attractiveness and didactics.
Various workshops with participants from automotive manufacturers, SMEs, social partners, politicians, chambers and trade unions made it possible to create a high level of transparency regarding existing offers and initiatives and to further strengthen the already well-established network of stakeholders. The diversity of offers was particularly evident in the example of innovative teaching methods and learning tools in technical training and further education.
It should be noted that the attractiveness of training is not limited to external image in recruiting. Innovations in the field of training and further education are making great strides both technically and didactically. This is particularly evident in the automotive industry and contributes to making training extremely attractive in our country. However, discussions with company representatives also show that education and training are undergoing innovative change in the context of artificial intelligence and virtual spaces. Companies need to design training programmes in a creative and innovative way and can offer school leavers a wide range of opportunities.
In order to support the strong career orientation initiatives of education partners from the private sector and ministries, it may be helpful to carefully examine and evaluate the effectiveness, reach and speed of the measures in the future. In addition, all stakeholders welcome a modernisation of apprenticeship occupations that meets the interests of young people and the automotive industry.
Parties Involved:
