The data on youth unemployment published by Istat for the month of March are alarming. In Italy, one in two young people cannot find a job, i.e. 43,1 per cent (up 0,3 per cent compared to February) of those who are active in looking for a job. The figure is even more worrying if we consider that in the last eight years, the unemployment rate between 15 and 24 years has almost doubled, going from 20,4 per cent in 2007 to 42,7 per cent in 2014. In Germany, on the other hand, it decreased, despite the crisis, from 11,8 percent to 7,7 percent.
The reasons for the German performance are manifold. Among these, the way in which the training of young people is organized has played a primary role. And, in particular, the school-work alternation system – which has been well developed for many years now -, which provides that students spend two days of training at school and 3 or 4 days in the company.
At the basis of the success of this path – chosen by over two thirds of young Germans - is the recognition by the community of its educational and training value (even Chancellor Schröder, for example, underwent professional training, demonstrating that it is not a series B course) and, above all, the close collaboration between the State, companies, Chambers of Commerce, trade unions and schools. Each of them performs a precise task and has the obligation to coordinate with the others. The State, through the regions and municipalities, prepares the programs and finances part of the training. The companies make laboratories, classrooms and teachers available and offer the student a regular employment contract, with a salary that increases over time, up to a third of that of a skilled worker. The Chambers of Commerce organize the final exams and certify whether the candidate has acquired the knowledge and skills to practice the profession.
To date, in Germany, one can choose from a shortlist of over 360 recognized qualifications. In most cases, it is the companies themselves who indicate to the trade unions and local authorities the professional figures they need. And, in fact, around eighty percent of the boys, once they have completed their training, are hired within the company. Furthermore, the close link between labor supply and demand proved to be a winning weapon during the crisis because it allowed the use of manpower with the characteristics necessary to cope with a constantly changing market. This explains why German manufacturing was able to develop in a phase in which in other countries - starting with Italy - this sector was showing a clear contraction.
But, then, if the dual training model works so well in Germany, why not import it into Italy? In reality, in the Renzi government's school reform, some steps have been taken in this direction. Firstly, because 400 hours (about 3 hours a week) of school-work alternation are expected to be spread over the last three years. Furthermore, because, from the current 11 million euros of funding per year, it should go to around 100 million euros.
Germany invests over 2 billion euros a year in preparatory measures for dual system professions. This is a figure equal to 20 times that estimated in the reform. This discrepancy should serve as an incentive for the government to do more, both in terms of resources and in terms of hours. For those who went on strike, on the other hand, it should serve to make people understand that by concentrating the protest almost exclusively on the possible superpower of the principals, we risk losing sight of the fact that the goal of the school, as well as that of educating, is also that of enable young people to find a job.
