Increase in nursing trainees for 2024: A 9% growth observed
In Germany, there has been a notable surge in nursing professional training contracts from 2023 to 2024, marking a strategic response to the growing shortage of skilled nursing staff. With an estimated demand for around 500,000 nurses by 2030, initiatives like the Triple Win program are facilitating recruitment and training of nurses, both domestically and internationally [2].
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) reports that in 2024, a total of 59,400 people started vocational training as nursing professionals, a 9% increase from the previous year [1]. The majority of these trainees (99%) opted for the generalist job title, which was introduced nationwide in 2020 [1].
Of the new trainees, 26,100 started their vocational training with a non-profit carrier, 14,900 with a public carrier, and 17,000 with a private carrier [1]. The practical training of 21,000 nursing trainees was completed in stationary care facilities, while 30,300 completed theirs in hospitals, and 6,700 in ambulatory care facilities [1].
The demographic of nursing trainees shows a relatively young cohort, with around half being 21 years old or younger [1]. However, the age range is diverse, with 21% of all trainees being 30 years or older [1]. Interestingly, only a small percentage (less than 2%) of graduates obtained a qualification with a focus on health and children's nursing or elderly care [1].
The new provisions under the Act to Strengthen Vocational Training and Continuing Education, which came into effect from April 2024, offer additional benefits to vocational training contracts in nursing and care professions, contributing to this increase in training agreements [3]. As a result, Germany is witnessing a revitalization and increase in vocational training contracts in nursing-related fields [3].
With the nursing shortage crisis at the forefront, it's clear that these efforts are essential in addressing the growing demand for nursing professionals. The trend suggests a promising future for the nursing sector in Germany, as more individuals are choosing careers in this vital field.
[1] Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) [2] Triple Win program [3] Act to Strengthen Vocational Training and Continuing Education
- The surge in nursing professional training contracts from 2023 to 2024 in Germany, accompanied by the implementation of programs like the Triple Win program and the Act to Strengthen Vocational Training and Continuing Education, signifies a notable emphasis on science (learning) in the field of health and wellness (nursing), indicative of a strategy to combat the growing shortage of skilled nursing staff.
- As more individuals in Germany opt for vocational training in nursing-related fields, there has been a visible shift in the focus of education and self-development (training) towards medical-conditions (nursing), contributing to a potential reduction in the projected demand for nurses by 2030.
- The diverse age range of nursing trainees in Germany, with individuals as young as 21 years old and those over 30 years old, indicates a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development in the health and wellness sector.
