The Corona pandemic has had an immense impact not only on people’s health and daily lives, but also on the economy and on vocational training in particular. Companies have been forced to adjust their business models and take steps to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures have also had an impact on apprentices.
School and vocational school closures forced many apprentices to pause their training or switch to digital learning formats. The loss of face-to-face classes and exams has also made education more difficult. Many companies are struggling with financial difficulties and are unable to hire new trainees or have to reduce their training positions.
But not everything is negative. The crisis has also been an impetus for innovation and new approaches to vocational training. Digital learning platforms and e-learning tools have been increasingly used and have shown that they can continue to play an important role in education in the future. Companies have found new ways to continue training despite the restrictions and still give trainees a chance to complete their training successfully.
In this series of articles, the impact of Corona on vocational education is explored. Challenges are highlighted and ways are shown how companies and apprentices have dealt with the crisis and what training could look like in the future.
Corona impact on education: restrictions on face-to-face teaching
Corona pandemic has far-reaching impact on education for students and learners. Face-to-face teaching has been particularly affected by restrictions, as the risk of infection is high due to close contact in classrooms and lecture halls. As a result, many universities and schools have switched to digital learning to reduce face-to-face teaching and ensure minimum spacing between people.
But the shift to digital learning also presents challenges. For many students it is difficult to motivate themselves and to concentrate on the semester content in the home office. In addition, there are technical barriers, such as a lack of hardware or poor Internet connections, which make digital learning difficult or even impossible.
To compensate for the limitations of face-to-face teaching, many educational institutions are turning to hybrid learning formats. Here, face-to-face events are supplemented by digital learning opportunities. This can reduce the number of people in the lecture hall and the minimum distance can be maintained. Combined with digital teaching materials and tools, students can be more flexible in their learning and prepare for their exams individually.
- Digital learning does not completely replace face-to-face teaching, but it also brings benefits.
- Hybrid learning formats help reduce the constraints of face-to-face teaching.
- The Corona pandemic has brought both challenges and opportunities for education.
Impact of Corona on training: internships and stays abroad
The impact of Corona on education is manifold and affects different aspects such as internships and stays abroad. Many companies have had to limit or even completely suspend their internship programs due to the pandemic. This means for many trainees a limitation of their practical experience.
There are also currently often restrictions for stays abroad. Some countries have closed their borders to tourists and students. This makes it difficult for trainees to carry out planned stays abroad. In addition, there are often restrictions on the training of trainees from abroad in the target companies as well.
Nevertheless, there have also been positive developments. Many companies have converted their internship programs to virtual internships. For apprentices, this means that they can continue to gain practical experience despite the limitations. Virtual collaboration with foreign companies also opens up new opportunities for trainees.
- In summary, Corona also imposes constraints on internships and stays abroad.
- However, there are also positive developments such as the switch to virtual internships or the possibility of virtual collaboration with foreign companies.
Changes in exam organization in the era of Corona
In education, the Corona pandemic has led to many changes. One of the most important is adapting the way exams are organized. Due to new hygiene rules and distance regulations, exams now often have to be held in smaller groups.
These changes also have an impact on the nature of examinations. Many exams had to be digitized to limit the number of participants. This often results in more time and greater logistical challenges for examiners and trainees alike.
The exam period was also often extended due to Corona. This gives trainees more time to prepare for exams. However, this extension can also lead to additional stress as trainees are under exam pressure for a longer period of time.
To best manage the impact of Corona on exam organization, training companies and schools should remain flexible and be able to adapt quickly to changes.
Corona-related impact on trainees with low German language skills
Corona’s impact on training is felt by many trainees, especially those who still struggle with the German language. While there are advantages to shifting instruction to online courses, important interpersonal contact is made more difficult.
Trainees with low German skills rely on workplace visits, personal feedback, and direct contact with their teachers to improve their language skills. However, this creates challenges, especially when it comes to explaining difficult concepts.
In these circumstances, trainees with low German skills may find it difficult to engage and get the most out of their training. They may also fear that Corona-induced changes in training conditions will leave them behind when it comes to competing against other graduates in the highly competitive job market.
- Ways to address these difficulties:
- Online tools, such as translation programs and language learning apps, can be invaluable for trainees with low German skills.
- Teachers should ensure regular face-to-face communication with trainees, for example via video conferencing, to improve learning outcomes and answer questions.
- Alternative methods for feedback and assessment should be found, e.g.B. By creating audio or video recordings to allow for oral assessment as well.
Ultimately, it is important that apprentices with low German skills use the resources available to them to get the most out of their apprenticeships. The difficult circumstances can also provide opportunities to develop skills such as self-motivation and self-study that will prove useful in the future.
Future perspectives and possible solutions for training in times of Corona
The impact of Corona is having a significant impact on education. Many training companies have been unable to continue their training or have cut back on training. This can have long-term effects on training, as trainees may not be adequately prepared for their future tasks.
However, there are possible solutions. In some cases, training can be conducted online. Using digital learning platforms and video tools can support the learning process. In addition, trainees can be provided with targeted support by offering them individual learning solutions.
Companies can also contribute to the solution by offering trainees flexible working hours and home office options. How trainees can better balance their training with their current situation.
- Improving the digital infrastructure
- Development of online training programs
- Targeted support for trainees
- Flexible work schedules and home office options for trainees
In summary, it is important that training companies and enterprises adapt their training methods to current conditions. Digital learning formats can offer an important alternative in this regard. Targeted support for trainees and the creation of flexible working conditions can also help ensure that training can continue successfully despite Corona.