SPD: State Government Making Vocational Schools' Lives Difficult - SPD Accuses Schleswig-Holstein Government of Undermining Rural Vocational Schools
The SPD has accused the state government of Schleswig-Holstein of undermining vocational schools, particularly in rural areas like Flensburg. The coalition of conservatives and Greens has been criticized for centralizing training sites and cutting regional programs.
The SPD's concerns stem from the centralization of vocational training, which forces students in rural areas to travel to Kiel for apprenticeships. Instead of addressing this issue, the government has implemented 'hiring corridors' for vocational schools. This policy has led to many newly qualified 'teachers pay teachers' leaving the state, as they are unable to secure permanent positions.
The Education Ministry has defended the hiring corridors, stating they are necessary for aligning staffing levels with student numbers. However, the ministry has confirmed that most hires for the current academic year are on a temporary basis. Out of 160 teachers, only 40 have been hired permanently. The standard allocation process for permanent teaching positions in the 2025/26 academic year has been suspended, further exacerbating the situation.
The SPD's accusations highlight the challenges faced by vocational schools in Schleswig-Holstein, particularly in rural areas. The coalition's centralization policies and hiring corridors have led to a high number of temporary teachers and many newly qualified 'teachers pay teachers' leaving the state. The Education Ministry's defence of these policies has done little to alleviate the concerns of the SPD and the affected communities.
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