Students in Premnitz: Alarming knowledge gaps in finances and careers!

Students in Premnitz: Alarming knowledge gaps in finances and careers!

At the Premnitz high school, the students are about to finish the tenth grade. In this context, a project day took place that dealt with topics such as housing, finances and health insurance. It turned out that some of the 16-year-olds did not have basic knowledge of taxation. Many people didn't know that they had to pay taxes when shopping. What was also confusing for some young people was the assumption that there are only two health insurance companies in Germany.

Paul Dührkopp from the Havelland Business Juniors noted that many young people leave school without sufficient knowledge about working life. These observations were confirmed by Steffi Amelung, head of the vocational training department at the Potsdam Chamber of Crafts, who emphasized that many young people are inadequately prepared for starting their careers. In particular, the practical skills required for successful training are missing.

Education policy in focus

The Chamber of Crafts is therefore calling for an educational policy debate in order to better prepare young people for life after school. Amelung pointed out that many students do not have the necessary key qualifications such as punctuality and the ability to work as a team. The Ministry of Education in Potsdam, on the other hand, is addressing “consumer education” in schools, but implementing the learning material remains a challenge. In the subject “Economy-Work-Technology” (WAT), students learn about household management and responsible handling of money, while primary school students are informed about topics such as accounts and finances in material lessons.

IHK President Ina Hänsel recommends a stronger focus on practical life and professional situations in schools. Collaborations with regional companies and internships can be helpful in giving students a realistic insight into the professional world. At the Premnitz high school, the students attended WAT classes over four years, in which they also discussed taxes, trade fairs and professional internships. Nevertheless, some students showed a certain lack of interest during the project day.

Practical skills in focus

In order to teach students important everyday skills, a student book was developed that focuses on the topic of housing. This book covers all the steps necessary to own your first apartment in a comprehensive and structured manner. Six chapters offer valuable information and work assignments that are tailored to different levels. This includes topics such as looking for an apartment, job interviews, renting an apartment and organizing a move.

Another important chapter is dedicated to household management and offers instructions for home care and budget planning. Such practical educational opportunities are crucial to giving young people the skills they will need later in life. Despite the existing concepts, the orientation of schools and educational institutions must also be reviewed in order to offer children and young people the best possible preparation for their future.