OECD Report Highlights Germany's Strength in Vocational Training Programs - Vocational education thriving in Germany, according to OECD report
In the latest report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), titled "Education at a Glance 2025", the need for action in addressing social inequalities in education in Germany has been emphasized.
One area where Germany stands out is in the field of MINT (Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Technology). The country has a higher proportion of university graduates in these fields compared to the OECD average. Specifically, 35 percent of German graduates are in the MINT fields, compared to the OECD average of 23 percent, making Germany the country with the highest proportion of university graduates in these fields among all OECD countries.
However, the report also highlights concerns about educational equality in Germany. Background still has a strong influence on educational success, and there are still social inequalities in access to early childhood education. Katharina GΓΌnther-WΓΌnsch, Berlin's Senator for Education and a representative of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, has emphasized the need for action due to too many young people leaving school without a diploma in Germany.
The employment rate of 25- to 34-year-olds without a secondary school leaving certificate in Germany has increased from 59 to 61 percent over the past five years, indicating a persistent issue with low-skilled employment. Unemployment rate among low-skilled adults remains high.
On a positive note, Germany's youth unemployment rate is 2.7 percent, which is below the OECD average. The proportion of 25- to 34-year-olds with a bachelor's degree in Germany has also increased from 21 to 23 percent over the past five years. The study found that only 10 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds in Germany are neither in education nor employment, which is significantly lower than the OECD average of 14 percent.
German Federal Research Minister Dorothee BΓ€r, appointed Federal Minister for Research, Technology and Space since May 2025, was described as "encouraging" in the OECD study and stated that Germany is a highly qualified STEM (MINT) country.
In conclusion, while Germany has made strides in the field of MINT education, there is still work to be done in addressing social inequalities in education and ensuring that all young people have access to quality education. The German government, along with education and research institutions, will need to continue to focus on these issues to ensure a successful and equitable future for all.
