According to the OECD’s Adult Skills Report, England and the USA are ranking in the bottom three of the 24 countries surveyed for literacy and numeracy among 16-25 year olds. Arguably, these factors point to the urgent need for comprehensive, state-supported vocational training programs.
One case study that attests to the importance of apprenticeship schemes is Germany, which has successfully maintained youth employment at over 90% throughout the financial crisis, in contrast to some of its European neighbors. Just under two-thirds of young Germans choose to undertake vocational training rather than entering higher education.
Vocational training can be a stepping stone to a sustainable career as nine out of ten young trainees secure a permanent job at the end of their apprenticeship.
