There is much concern within the European financial community over the impending fallout from the bailout of the Greek economy and the fragile economic health of Spain, Ireland, and other countries within the European Union.
Germany remains a mountain of stability within the alliance. Part of its economic health is the commitment the country has made to developing employment for its youth. In an October 8th article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, author Klaus F. Zimmerman describes how Germany has reduced its youth unemployment rate to about half the U.S. rate. The key seems to be combining vocational school education with three-year apprenticeships at corporate firms.
“Unlike the United States, Germany has not de-industrialized. Manufacturing remains a backbone of the economy. And apprenticeships often involve a fairly complex course of training, both in trade schools as well as at the company level.
“Along the way, apprentices learn key concepts of technology, business management, applied analysis and an ever higher level of analytical reasoning. Apprenticeships are therefore far more than on-the-job training and a transition to a young person’s first job. They also provide a solid basis for the lifelong updating of one’s professional skills.”