vacant apprenticeships
Vacant Apprenticeships
Vocabulary
| tractor | trainee | train (2) |
| trailer | utility | vocation |
| vehicle | participant | on-the-job-training |
| limit | achieve | courtyard |
| option | career | fall out of favor |
| opt | salary | degree (3) |
| in check | check (2) | model (3) |
| order (3) | order books | see it through |
| delay | concern | permanent |
| staff (2) | update | promise |
| run (3) | motor |
Video: Vacant Apprenticeships
Transcript
Trainees helped build these tractor-trailers at German utility-vehicle maker, Feldbinder.
They’re getting on-the-job training while taking classes at vocational school. The multi-year programs give participants skills they need to work there later on.
Fabian Lux, Feldbinder Trainee: “I like working with my hands and seeing what I have achieved. If I finish a vehicle and see it driving across the courtyard, I’m happy.”
But vocational training is falling out of favor with German youth because of its limited career options and lower salaries. Many are opting for university degrees instead.
Germany’s trainee system has helped the country keep youth unemployment in check, at seven percent (7%), the lowest in the EU.
But that hasn’t helped the model stay popular in Germany.
Nina Lorea Kley, Feldbinder Human Resources Head: “I can only say this: the older books are full, and that is certainly true for many German companies. Unfortunately, we don’t have the people to see those orders through.”
But the plan was delayed due to the concerns of the permanent staff.
The German government has promised to update the training system in the coming years — a much needed move to keep Germany’s economic motor running.
Questions
1. The trainees only practice on models; they don’t work on real products. True or false?
2. Do they only do hands-on practice and training?
3. They feel a great sense of job satisfaction. Is this right or wrong?
4. Has the vocational-training system been very effective for industry and the Germany economy?
5. And so young people are eager to get into a vocational-training program. Is this entirely correct, mostly correct, yes and no, in the middle, mostly wrong or entirely untrue? Why has it fallen out of favor recently?
6. Do businesses have problems with too many job applicants for technical work?
7. Will the apprenticeship system remain the same or will there be changes?
A. I undertook a training program at school, university or at work. Yes or no?
B.Is there a very effective, comprehensive job training program?
C.How do (young) people feel about technical or blue-collar work? Has it changed over the years?
D. What might happen in the future?
E. What should governments and people do?
