Demographic Change in Germany and Consequent Challenges for the Education System

One of the effects of current demographic development will be a shift in the role of dual study programs. Up until now dual studies were primarily an important complement to the education portfolio of young people. Due to changing age structure of the German population the age structure of the workforce in companies will also shift considerably: Less young professionals are available to the Labor Market, as a consequence older staff will become increasingly important. In order to benefit from the potentials of older staff, lifelong learning is a necessity. Employed persons should acquire new skills and additional qualification at all stages of their professional life. Lifelong learning increases flexibility of older staff, thus employment possibilities increase. Employees with an extensive work experience have an advantage of putting their theoretical up-to-date knowledge to practice. In the interest of a long-term oriented growth policy the knowledge lead of the older generation represents a central pillar of the economic life in Germany.