Why are Germans willing to be mechanics?

Former German President Herzog once said, “In order to maintain economic competitiveness, Germany needs not more PhDs, but more technicians.” The technicians mentioned here refer to the “industrial technicians” who support “Made in Germany”. ".

Speaking of Germany, people naturally think of famous German cars such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Opel, etc., and German machinery and equipment. Germany's outstanding achievements in the manufacturing industry are attributed to the German government's massive investment in vocational education and the society's respect for skilled workers. German entrepreneurs believe that first-class products need first-class technicians to manufacture, and no matter how advanced scientific research results are, it is difficult to become a competitive product without the crafting operation of technicians.

The salary of German skilled workers is higher than the national average salary, and the salary of technical school graduates is almost generally higher than that of university graduates. The average annual salary of white-collar college graduates is about 30,000 Euros, while the average annual salary of skilled workers is about 35,000 Euros. The salaries of technicians in many industries are much higher than ordinary civil servants, and even higher than university professors.

Due to the high wages of German technicians and the high demand for manufacturing technicians, 65% of junior high school graduates give up the road of studying for higher education and go to university every year and directly enter vocational schools. Vocational education in Germany is fully funded by the government, and a student can receive 4,100 Euros of government education funding a year. The students are "ordered" by the company to become prospective employees of the company while they are studying in the vocational school, and the company must pay 600 to 800 euros a month to the "subscribed" technical school students in accordance with the regulations.

The key reason why German manufacturing is so powerful is that this country has accumulated abundant "craftsman" resources, including engineers, senior technicians, and ordinary technicians. The German craftsman spirit is rigorous, standardized, and meticulous. It stipulates that screws need to be tightened five times, and they will never tighten four and a half turns. Whether it is an engineer or an ordinary technician, everyone has a unique skill. Some are passed down by the ancestors, but more come from vocational schools, technical schools, and even universities of applied technology all over Germany. In addition, training by German industry associations and on-site training within enterprises are also available. very common.

The question is, why are so many Germans willing to be skilled workers instead of pursuing college diplomas?

1. In Germany, it is not ashamed to be a mechanic, they also enjoy the reputation and respect of other "higher occupations" in the society

In the Germans' eyes, what everyone does is just a different division of labor. Whether it is a politician, educator, entrepreneur, engineer or technician, they are just different occupations, and there is no respect or inferiority. The word "occupation" in German means vocation or God's call. The occupation that everyone engages in is sacred in the sense of vocation. Because of this, the Germans are serious and responsible and can calm down and do their part.

2. Technicians also have high incomes

The income of ordinary technicians of 2000-3000 Euros (about 14,500-~22,000 RMB) is not worse than that of college graduates, and they are easier to find jobs. Senior mechanics are the treasures of the enterprise. They have higher incomes and support their families. They can also buy houses and cars, and enjoy a high-quality life.

Even if you are raising a family alone, you can still go abroad for vacation or focus on your own hobbies, such as wine collection, antique calligraphy and painting collection, etc. These are not "patents" that only people with higher education enjoy. Those who graduated from vocational schools are also talents. They also have the opportunity to be sent to work overseas and enjoy high wages and overseas subsidies. A friend of mine worked for Sinker Global Freight after graduating from a technical school. After a few years of work, he was sent to Beijing and Shanghai as technical supervisors. Not only could he save a lot of money, he also invited his parents to travel to China every year.

3. The education channel in Germany is very smooth for anyone and at all times

Those who are engaged in craftsmen, if they want to "change the track", can also apply to enter the University of Applied Technology to continue their studies, and get a nationally recognized master's diploma after graduation. Of course, you can also apply to a comprehensive university to study for a master's degree or a doctorate degree after obtaining an "Abitur" (complete secondary school diploma) through tuition. There is no age limit for going to school in Germany, which is a typical example of living and learning. Therefore, if you see a gray-haired old lady in a college class, it is not surprising.

Because Germans have a general concept of equality, skilled workers also enjoy higher incomes and can enter higher education institutions at any time to continue their studies, so many Germans would rather choose to be a skilled worker than to compete for a university degree. Because of this, Germany not only has a large number of thinkers who "look up to the stars", but also a large number of "down-to-earth" doers.