Print version Recommend this page Press release
28/ 2003
Bonn, 31.07.2003
More supply than demand
There are not enough applicants for the trade "systems catering expert"
The supply of training positions for the trade "systems catering expert" is greater than the interest of potential applicants! A total of 1,817 apprenticeships were available in 2002 - but 12.9% of training positions remained unassigned!
Human resources and training managers are attempting to counter the apparently negative image of the profession, pointing out their positive experience with the profession:
As a result of the comprehensive know-how acquired in training, they say that systems catering experts have excellent chances of finding a job and a wide variety of possible assignments. Depending upon their predelictions and commitment, these experts can assume certain assignments in restaurants themselves; here their central task is in implementing a standardised, centrally guided strategy in systems catering01 such as at restaurants like e.g. Maredo, on the Mitropa (German Rail AG), at large corporations with their own restaurant operations such as e.g. Kaufhof or Karstadt, or at catering companies. In addition, they are also qualified to work at company headquarters in the human resources division, product management or with the field staff. And the opportunities for promotion are also good: career trajectories range from junior company manager's assistant to company manager's assistant and company manager.
This is the result of a survey of managers in charge of human resources and training on the acceptance of the new trade in the field of practice conducted by the Federal Institute of Vocational Training (BIBB) in 2000 and 2001.
One positive aspect is to be found in the quantitative trend characterising the new trade - the number of training contracts concluded has risen continuously from year to year: 395 training contracts were concluded when the new trade was launched in 1998, the figure hit 641 in 1999, 853 young people received a contract in 2000, and the figure rose again to 951 in 2001.
The survey also produced the following findings:
- Companies are satisfied with the framework plan for the trade: The content and time frame set out in the plan provide enough latitude to adjust the programme to conform to the respective company's particular needs.
- Because the training profile which makes up systems catering and human resources is very demanding and turns out workers more highly qualified than in other catering trades, it was suggested that separate vocational school classes be created. This contrasts with the sectoral strategy, which aims at having skilled staff be allowed to cross over to other professions in the restaurant and catering sector such as e.g. restaurant expert or systems catering in companies after they complete their two-year training programme.
- In spite of a positive quantitative development, many companies working in the area of systems catering do not train staff (at least thus far). Why? Lack of information about the trade and the requirements which apply to qualified training, but also lack of suitability on the part of trainers. In addition, some companies do not meet the requirements which apply to a qualified training (they must have at least three branches and a headquarters).
You can find additional information on the survey in the Internet at http://www2.bibb.de/forum/fram_fo1.htm, the final report on the research project entitled "Quantitative and Qualitative Structural Aspects in the New Trades for the Service Sector".
If you would like to receive additional information from BIBB, get in touch with Bettina Webers, e-mail: webers@bibb.de
