1. What are the most significant challenges currently facing vocational training in the German labor market?
The declining number of school graduates each year significantly shrinks the pool of potential apprentices. Additionally, apprenticeships are becoming less attractive to young people, who are increasingly opting for direct employment鈥攑artly due to higher minimum wages. This trend threatens the future availability of skilled workers and challenges companies to demonstrate the value and opportunities of vocational training.
2. In what ways does your company tap into the untapped potential within the German labor market, particularly among underrepresented groups?
P&G invests in robust apprenticeship and internship programs across our sites, such as in Marktheidenfeld, where we welcome over 60 apprentices annually. Events like the 鈥淣ight of Apprenticeship鈥� and partnerships with local schools allow students to explore technical and commercial careers firsthand. Our approach provides practical experience and support to ensure broad access for all backgrounds.
3. What opportunities do teams with different perspectives and backgrounds offer?
Diverse teams are more resilient, adaptive, and innovative. At P&G, we see firsthand how varied perspectives lead to richer discussions, better solutions, and stronger team performance. Diversity enables ongoing learning and helps us meet the demands of a rapidly changing market.
4. What is the motivation of companies to broaden their hiring pool?
Broadening our hiring pool helps us build high-performing, engaged teams with fresh perspectives. We have run two pilots with Joblinge to reach overlooked talent and learned valuable lessons. While we have not scaled these efforts yet, we are committed to learning and believe such collaborations drive both business success and social inclusion.
