The number of students in construction fields is low, companies are lacking workers

Prague - The number of young people preparing for work in construction at secondary schools is low. Construction companies complain about a shortage of qualified workers. In September this year, 4236 students started at construction vocational schools. This is approximately the same as last year, but over 300 fewer than in 2005. The number of schools remains roughly the same. This is according to the latest data from the Institute for Information in Education (ÚIV) regarding construction fields.
    This year, 3207 graduates completed their studies at construction vocational schools. This is about 160 fewer than last year. "If the number of construction companies with 20 or more employees is 2497, this figure needs no further comment," describes the situation in a report by the Association of Entrepreneurs in Construction (SPS), which addresses the current state of vocational education. In 1999, nearly 7000 students graduated from construction programs.
    According to previously released data from the SPS, 6255 apprentices started studying other fields that find application in construction, such as locksmiths, electricians, carpenters, or operating construction machinery. Related fields successfully graduated 9265 students this year.
    "There are many other options to study at secondary selective schools even for children who do not have academic prerequisites," said Ivo Košař, vice-chairman of the Association of Vocational Institutions, to ČTK. "The Ministry of Education has clearly favored general education over vocational and manual training in recent years," he added.
    The construction industry has long been plagued by a shortage of employees, which is referred to as the main brake on its further growth. "Companies have money, they have orders, but they have no one to do the work," Košař stated.
    According to the SPS, the difference between the number of incoming and graduating apprentices is due to up to 30 percent leaving during their studies due to behavioral issues and insufficient academic performance. About five percent continue with further education. Approximately 35 percent of students enroll in different fields than those they studied. Only about 30 to 40 percent of students go into the practical field for which they were trained after completing their studies.
   "It definitely has to do with the fact that it is hard manual labor, so a lot of graduates definitely prefer to stock shelves in a hypermarket, where they might earn a thousand less but are in a warmer environment," commented Košař on the low interest of graduates in construction fields.
    Jiří Vojtěch from the National Institute for Vocational Education perceives the situation in construction fields somewhat differently. He believes that the decline in the number of students in construction vocational schools is also related to the overall decrease in young people in society. "There are not significant changes in the proportion of students entering construction fields compared to other vocational directions," Vojtěch told ČTK. "I wouldn’t call it a crisis, but the situation is serious," he added.
    The weaker interest in construction fields is also related to a situation a few years ago when there was no problem with a shortage of workers in construction, and many vocational school graduates ended up unemployed. The ease of choosing to study general and higher fields also plays a role. "However, this is a trend that is positive, as people are interested in further education," said Vojtěch.
    According to Vojtěch, the Ministry of Education does not prevent more students from attending construction vocational schools. "The Ministry and the government prefer a higher level of education. However, this does not mean that if 1000 people want to be trained, the Ministry of Education will hinder them," Vojtěch told ČTK.