Teacher shortage in Brandenburg: Schools face the threat of cancelled classes

Due to the teacher shortage, the timetable can no longer be adhered to at many schools. The trades sector calls it a damning indictment.

When the new school year begins in Brandenburg on August 24th, several schools will be short-staffed . As a result, the timetables stipulated in the curricula cannot be adhered to, and important learning content will no longer be conveyed to the students . The Brandenburg trades sector is reacting with great concern to the impending loss of teaching hours at Brandenburg schools.

Robert Wüst , President of the Brandenburg Chamber of Skilled Crafts , said: "The fact that Brandenburg can no longer guarantee core instruction everywhere is a disgrace. If the curriculum is reduced or qualifications are no longer reliably recognized nationwide, the skilled trades sector is also affected. For years, our businesses have been experiencing that many young people begin their apprenticeships with significant deficiencies in mathematics, German, and science, necessitating additional training. Therefore, swift and effective measures are now needed to ensure instruction, maintain educational standards, and strengthen the conditions for successful apprenticeships."

Cottbus Chamber of Skilled Crafts launches apprentice campus

Corina Reifenstein , President of the Cottbus Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Managing Director of Terpe Bau GmbH in Spremberg, points out that the level of education among school leavers has been declining for years: "If one now tries to compensate for the teacher shortage by further lowering the level of school education, I consider that very problematic. Because the deficits that arise in school then drag the young people through their entire apprenticeship."

To break this cycle, the Cottbus Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Trades (HWK Cottbus) established an apprentice campus at the Großräschen training workshop in 2024. There, apprentices can catch up on the deficits they brought with them from school.

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Skills shortage: Is training a key challenge?

Lutz Spring , Managing Director of Lutz Spring GmbH in Oranienburg, a company specializing in heating, plumbing, and building technology , sees the training of young people as a crucial task in light of the skilled worker shortage: "Last year, we employed five fitters and four apprentices – a training ratio that demonstrates the importance we place on developing young talent . We consciously invest time, knowledge, and personnel resources in training because we are convinced that this investment pays off in the long run. Therefore, we work closely with parents, hold regular meetings with our apprentices, and utilize the assisted training program offered by the Federal Employment Agency when needed."

For some time now, temps GmbH Brandenburg has been using unconventional methods to develop its skilled workforce. Managing Director Helga Marggraff explains: "Since our trainees often come from school with gaps in their knowledge of economics, mathematics, and German, we rely on retired teachers whom we activate and assign to mentor our trainees . We will continue to look for retired teachers in the coming years."

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