Gesellschaftliches Risiko: Jeder zehnte junge Mensch nicht in Bildung oder Arbeit

In Germany, a growing concern is the number of young people aged 20 to 24 who are not in education, training, or employment. According to the Federal Statistical Office, this reached 10.0% of the population in this age group last year. It had been 9.5% the previous year and only 8.8% in 2022. A high proportion of young people who are not engaged in education, training, or work poses numerous societal risks such as unemployment, reduced participation, increased crime, and political frustration.

The 2024 national education report suggests that about a quarter of those affected are actively seeking work, while 10% were just short of starting a study, apprenticeship, or job. However, nearly two-thirds were completely out of the job market, citing reasons such as caregiving duties and health issues.

The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung's Bettina Kohlrausch notes that for many young people, transitioning from school to apprenticeship or from apprenticeship to work is failing, resulting in uncertain futures and challenging career paths. This impacts the workforce as critical skills shortages occur. Germany's NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) rate, although below the EU average of 12.9%, is higher than countries like the Netherlands (5.6%), Sweden, and the Czech Republic, which all have rates around 7%.

Romania has the highest rate with nearly a quarter of young people (22.8%) without any education or employment, followed by Bulgaria (17.3%) and France (16.2%).

With Germany facing a shortage of skilled workers and a significant number of young people unemployed or untrained, there is a call for a genuine apprenticeship guarantee. The Social Alliance Germany's Michaela Engelmeier emphasizes the need to shift focus to promoting education, training, and job entry support, including good counseling, qualification, and employment assistance.