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Apprenticeships are becoming increasingly difficult to fill - and the trend is rising. It is not only small companies that are having difficulties filling individual apprenticeship positions in vain. Large and well-known companies, some of which have hundreds of vacant apprenticeship positions, are also struggling. One reason for this is the changing needs of Generation Z, for whom a good training culture is one of the most important criteria when choosing a job. The "Great Start!" approach has proven successful in analyzing and developing a good training culture.
One in seven apprenticeships cannot be filled
Finding apprentices is becoming increasingly difficult. In 2018, for example, one in seven apprenticeships could not be filled, according to figures from the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). This development has not gone unnoticed by entrepreneurs. Specialized events and panel discussions are now being held to discuss the issue of apprenticeship shortages. What helps to combat the shortage of apprentices is a good training culture and the associated attractiveness as a training company.
Good workplace culture is the most important criterion for Generation Z
To understand today's learners and their needs, you first need to know who they are. They belong to the so-called Generation Z, i.e. people born after 1998. As a study by Triple A Team found out, they value meaningful activities over material wealth and success, for example. The desire for meaningful activities is also reflected in the desire to turn their hobby into a career. In general, the working atmosphere is the most important criterion for Generation Z when choosing an employer. And in contrast to the generation before them, Generation Y, they want a strict separation of professional and private life. Overall, Generation Z therefore wants an appreciative workplace culture in which they can pursue meaningful work and develop themselves.
What makes a good training culture
For a company to be perceived as an attractive training company, it doesn't just need good employer branding - it needs satisfied apprentices. After all, you can only communicate to the outside world what is practiced internally. Satisfied apprentices are the basis for the positioning message. This is exactly where Great Place to Work helps: we use our "Great Start!" survey to measure the satisfaction of apprentices. Satisfaction is sometimes characterized by a culture that is characterized by trust. Trust is made up of the dimensions of fairness, for example in remuneration, respect, for example in dealings with one another, and credibility, i.e. the integrity and competence of managers. Satisfaction also includes the team spirit aspect in the company, for example that everyone pulls together. Pride is also an important aspect: pride in their work in the company, pride in the performance of their team or pride in the performance of the company.
Three steps to a better workplace culture:
1st learner survey
We use a questionnaire adapted to learners to determine how the training culture is experienced individually. The 27 questions are designed to capture the five dimensions (fairness, respect, credibility, team spirit, pride) that make up a culture of trust. This provides companies with valuable feedback on the actual state of the training culture.
2. survey of the management
In the second step, we use a questionnaire to record details of the training concept. This allows HR or training managers to document processes, specific measures and tools. This is intended to complete the feedback from learners and create a comprehensive picture of the existing training culture. This includes the nine areas of inspiring, informing, listening, recognizing, developing, showing care, celebrating, participating, hiring and integrating.
3. discover strengths and develop potential
In joint workshops, our Culture Consultants enable companies to analyze and further develop their training concept based on the results. We also support companies in the internal and external communication of their certification.
