Berlin/Frankfurt. For the employers’ association Gesamtmetall and the trade union IG Metall, the results of the PISA study presented today are a warning signal. “Schools must be given the priority that the topic of education deserves,” emphasize the collective bargaining parties in the metal and electrical industries. “This applies to general education schools as well as to vocational schools.”
The results of the study presented today show an even lower level of mathematical and scientific skills than in previous years, which is particularly worrying. These skills are essential, especially for the metal and electrical industry, which relies on technological leadership, whether in an engineering degree or training in the industry’s skilled trades.
“Education has to get out of the Sunday speeches and into real action!” says Gesamtmetall Managing Director Oliver Zander, “It is unforgivable that the schools do not get the attention and support they need, schools need sufficient staff and a sufficient budget , instead of constantly experimenting with school types. We also need minimum educational standards so that we can continually measure where additional support is needed. Comparability is the basis for being able to assign and combat failures. The Conference of Ministers of Education must present a corresponding education master plan.”
Hans-Jürgen Urban, managing board member of IG Metall, called for more support for vocational schools: “The dual vocational training is admired internationally and at the same time the quality of the school pillar of vocational training is massively neglected. The technical equipment in vocational schools is often inadequate and the personnel situation is also cause for concern.” Urban: “An investment offensive at vocational schools is necessary. Anyone who invests here is investing in the future!”
Gesamtmetall pointed out that the problems in the school system go far deeper than the current PISA results show. “The fact that 50,000 young people leave school every year without a school leaving certificate is an unbearable situation. We have to take care of these young people in good time,” Zander continued.