This article first appeared in the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry's vocational training magazine POSITION III/2021.

Hubert Schöffmann wants to set one thing straight from the very beginning. The term 'university dropouts,' says Schöffmann, is misleading when describing those who decide not to complete their studies and opt for vocational training instead. He prefers the term 'path changers,' as individuals transitioning into training are not ending their careers but merely switching paths. 'Changing tracks is not a disaster; it's not the end of one's career,' notes Schöffmann, the spokesperson for education policy at the Bavarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He adds emphatically, 'Many students waste their talent struggling from exam to exam at university.'

Schöffmann's viewpoint, however, needs to resonate with many more young people. He firmly believes that businesses and trainees could benefit from the enhanced motivation brought about by 'path changers' in their ranks: 'The potential here has not yet been fully tapped.'

Practical Example: Rohde & Schwarz

Hubert Schöffmann’s stance is backed by Alexandra Dissler, who has worked for more than ten years as a vocational trainer at Munich technology group Rohde & Schwarz. Her trainees are individuals who have reconsidered their path after leaving school, transitioning away from university studies to a dual vocational training system. 'I thoroughly enjoy working with these young people,' she says.

© DIHK / Jens Schicke

Based on Dissler’s experience, there are several factors that make 'path changers' exemplary trainees — some personal traits impacting their relationships with the training companies and others that extend to peer apprentices.

Particularly Mature and Independent

According to Dissler, 'path changers' are generally more mature than those starting training directly after school. “This also makes them more independent,” she explains. Additionally, their university experience often means they’ve learned to self-organise, despite eventually finding their study subjects incompatible with their interests.

Many 'path changers' feel the academic setting at university is overly theoretical, as was the case for Helena Riedel, who pursued training as an industrial clerk with Dissler after abandoning her studies in business administration. Schöffmann confirms that this theoretical intensity is a key reason for university dropouts.

© Rohde & Schwarz / Joachim Kosian

"It just wasn’t working anymore"

Helena Riedel (25) did what many students probably think about but often don’t dare to do: she dropped out of her Business Administration degree and chose a vocational training programme instead. A few months ago, she successfully completed her training as an industrial clerk. She now works in...

Motivated and Motivating

Dissler notes that those who have attended university often motivate the entire group of apprentices they meet. 'Their grades are typically very high,' she emphasizes. Having previously discontinued their higher education, these trainees tend to be highly driven to successfully complete their vocational training. Dissler's traineeships, which often involve around ten apprentices per cycle, continually demonstrate how their dedication and performance also inspire their peers.