Future-oriented career search: Gera strengthens school network for talents!

Future-oriented career search: Gera strengthens school network for talents!

On October 23, 2025, a specialist event organized by the SCHOOL INDUSTRY working group took place at the Karl-Theodor-Liebe-Gymnasium in Gera, under the motto “Career Orientation – the Key to the Future”. Around 30 experts from Thuringia discussed how students can be best prepared for the transition into the professional world. The initiative is part of a broader approach to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in Germany, such as bpb.de reported.

Nowadays, a large number of students shortly before graduating from school ask fundamental questions about their future careers. The exchange of experienced experts was therefore particularly valuable. The event included keynote speeches from the Berga mainstream school and the Lyonel-Feininger-Gymnasium Mellingen, both of which have been awarded the “career choice-friendly school” quality seal, as well as practical discussions about innovative approaches to career orientation.

Practical approaches to career orientation

A particular focus was on the “Day in Practice” project, which offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves directly in everyday working life. Ralf Zöller, the chairman of the Gera SCHOOL INDUSTRY working group, emphasized the importance of early and practical career orientation. The city of Gera actively supports the working group in order to strengthen the business location and promote the securing of skilled workers in the region, which is of great importance in the current discussion about the shortage of skilled workers.

The BMBF educational chain initiative, which was launched in 2010, aims to support young people entering professional life. Systematic and early career orientation is required, which can be individually adapted. The offers range from potential analyzes in the 7th grade to practical career orientation days to special programs for young people with a migration and refugee background, such as BOFplus and KAUSA, which are tailored to the needs of these groups, according to information from bmftr.bund.de.

The challenge of the skills shortage

In view of the increasing number of young people without a vocational qualification, which reached 2.9 million in 2022, the highest number in 25 years, improving career orientation is becoming increasingly urgent. bpb.de points out that a high number of school leavers with lower qualifications poses an increased risk of long-term unemployment. It is therefore crucial to reconcile the wishes of young people with the demands of the economy.

Current developments in the education system and the declining number of school leavers - from 986,000 in 2004 to just 776,000 in 2023 - mean that companies in the region are desperately looking for skilled workers. A suitable professional qualification is particularly a prerequisite in many fields of activity; after all, skilled work in areas such as health professions and information and telecommunications technology requires fully qualified training.

The challenges in the education system and the labor market are complex, but with commitment and the right support for young people, the course can be set for a successful professional future. Events like the one in Gera are a small but important step in the right direction.