Special Topic
Education in Germany
When comparing the education system in America and Germany, there are a few similarities. For example the education system in Germany is funded by tax payers as it is in America. German have a similar system with an elementary or grundschule, and then progress from there.
There are a lot of differences in Germany’s education system and America. School begins at the age of six years old, and after the student is ten years old they must pick a career field. After Grundschule Germany has three basic schools they are Huapteschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium. Each student must decide at the age of ten which school they will attend. There choice is determined by and aptitude test, career aspirations and grades. There is also a two year grace period where the student can change there desired career field.
After school many of the students then begin an intern ship with a company in there desired field of study. The inter ship is three years long and allows students to receive hands on training.
The school year is typically two terms totaling seven months. Students are in the class room until 1:00 PM. 5 days a week. Students in Germany typically have two hours of homework per night.
Facts about Germany’s workforce
School life expectancy
total: 16 years male: 16 years female: 16 years (2006) Education expenditures:
4.6% (2004)
Labor force:
43.51 million (2007 EST.)
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 2.8% industry: 33.4% services: 63.8% (1999)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Lowest 10%: 3.2% highest 10%: 22.1%
Germany's has an aging population the Age structure:
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 5,826,066/female 5,524,568) 15-64 years: 66.2% (male 27,763,917/female 26,739,934) 65 years and over: 20% (male 6,892,743/female 9,622,320
As these numbers from above show Germany has an older population and a relatively high unemployment rate. These two characteristics of Germany’s work force hinder Germany from becoming one of the world’s leaders in the workforce.
Conclusion
Germany has an Economy that has some struggles as far as unemployment and the aging workforce; but Germany is making some progress for improving its economy. The education system allows company’s the ability to hire a trained workforce. A trained workforce allows a country to build because knowledge is power. Germany is already a powerful force in the eyes of the world and Germany is continuing to improve its work force on a daily basis.
