This case study examines an initiative in the region of Bavaria aimed at reducing dropout rates among geriatric care apprenticeships, with support from the European Social Fund (ESF). In the context of Germany's ageing population and significant workforce shortages, the project incorporated socio-pedagogical support into vocational training to tackle structural, personal, and institutional barriers. By providing personalised guidance and improving coordination between vocational schools and care facilities, apprentices received targeted assistance, which helped lower dropout rates and enhance the quality of training. Through this initiative, ESF funding facilitated innovation in vocational education, healthcare workforce development, and social inclusion.
Reducing apprenticeship dropouts in geriatric care in Bavaria, Germany
Abstract
In Germany, the social economy includes associations, co-operatives, and mutual companies. Based on estimates, they employ 8.6% of the workforce (2024) (CIRIEC et al., 2024[1]). In 2024, there were 650 057 social economy entities, accounting for over 3.4 million paid jobs. Associations are governed by the German Civil Code and must serve public, charitable, or religious objectives. Co-operatives are regulated by the Co-operative Societies Act and traditionally focus on advancing the economic interests of their members.
Social innovation emphasises experimentation over mainstream implementation, resulting in a fragmented approach among various ministries. It is supported by the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, and the Federal Ministry of the Environment (OECD, 2023[2]).The 2023 National Strategy for Social Innovation and Social Enterprises reflects a growing commitment to experimentation under a “Policy Making for Social Innovation” framework. This strategy supports practices, such as social impact measurement, and encourages collaboration among academic institutions, commercial enterprises, welfare organisations, as well as civil society groups (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, 2023[3]).
The ESF has supported Germany’s efforts to enhance inclusion and employment, with the country receiving EUR 13.4 billion in ESF funding – including both EU and national co-financing – during the 2014-20 programming period (European Commission, 2025[4]). It accounted for 25.8% of the country’s European Structural and Investment Funds. The funding prioritised (1) social inclusion, (2) sustainable employment, and (3) educational and vocational training. Bavaria’s geriatric care apprenticeship initiative illustrates how ESF funding can drive solutions to sectoral shortages and lay the ground for new institutional frameworks, such as the 2023 National Strategy for Social Innovation and Social Enterprises.
The ESF+ is managed at national level by one Managing Authority and four Intermediary Bodies, while at regional level the 16 Länder are involved in the implementation of the Fund. As shown in Figure 1, there are 31 programmes funded by ESF+ which cover a range of themes, including integration, mobility, youth, senior participation, climate action, and urban development, among others.
Source: Authors’ own elaboration based on information provided by Germany.
The project focuses on addressing the high dropout rates in geriatric care apprenticeship programs in Bavaria. These elevated dropout levels contribute to a persistent shortage of skilled workers in the sector, leading to prolonged vacancy periods and heightened demand for care services (Institute for Social Research and Social Policy GmbH, 2017[5]). The crisis became particularly evident between the 2011–12 and 2015–16 academic years, during which dropout and unsuccessful completion rates rose significantly, worsening workforce shortages. This issue is further compounded by Germany’s ageing population, which increases the demand for elderly care services while the workforce diminishes due to retirements (Fletcher, Kemp and Sher, 2024[6]). Apprentices often face challenges such as demanding schedules, limited time for study, and inadequate support systems. Additionally, personal difficulties—including financial pressures, family responsibilities, and low educational backgrounds—further hinder retention, threatening the sustainability and quality of the geriatric care workforce.
The project integrates socio-pedagogical support to improve apprenticeship retention and training quality. This innovative approach provides both individual and group guidance to apprentices, helping them navigate personal and structural challenges. By engaging socio-pedagogues as neutral external mentors, the initiative fosters stronger connections between vocational schools, care facilities, and external stakeholders. This approach, which was previously uncommon in Bavaria, has strengthened collaboration, contributed to a reduction in dropout rates, and helped address the workforce shortage in geriatric care. Ultimately, it lays the foundation for sustainable, long-term improvements in the sector (Institute for Social Research and Social Policy GmbH, 2017[5]).
The geriatric care apprenticeship initiative faced significant structural and institutional barriers that limited its effectiveness. Challenging training conditions—including shift work, block instruction, and staffing shortages—compromised the quality of apprentices’ learning experiences. These difficulties were compounded by financial constraints, low educational attainment among participants, and the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with work commitments. Moreover, insufficient communication and coordination between vocational schools and care facilities hindered practical training opportunities (Institute for Social Research and Social Policy GmbH, 2017[5]).
In response, the implementation of socio-pedagogical support and enhanced stakeholder collaboration proved instrumental. Socio-pedagogues delivered targeted individual consultations and group training sessions, helping apprentices manage issues such as exam anxiety and fostering stronger peer cohesion. Regular meetings and information-sharing events improved communication channels between vocational schools and care providers, facilitating better alignment of training objectives. These measures contributed to improved apprentice retention and a reduction in dropout rates; however, persistent challenges such as staffing shortages and inadequate remuneration remain pressing issues.
Funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) played a critical role in enabling these interventions. With a contribution of EUR 28 502 toward a total project budget of EUR 575 975, the ESF supported the creation of socio-pedagogical roles within vocational schools across both urban and rural regions of Bavaria (Institute for Social Research and Social Policy GmbH, 2017[5]). This funding facilitated individual and group support sessions, which addressed personal and structural challenges for apprentices. It also fostered improved communication between vocational schools, care facilities and external partners. By providing financial resources to implement these initiatives, ESF funding played a major role in reducing dropout rates, improving training quality, and addressing Bavaria’s skilled workforce shortage in geriatric care.
References
[1] CIRIEC et al. (2024), “Benchmarking the socio-economic performance of the EU social economy. Improving the socio-economic knowledge of the proximity and social economy system.”, https://www.ciriec.uliege.be/en/publications/etudesrapports/benchmarking-the-socio-economic-performance-of-the-eu-social-economy-2024/ (accessed on 31 January 2025).
[4] European Commission (2025), “Cohesion Open Data Platform - Germany”, https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/countries/DE/14-20 (accessed on 16 January 2025).
[3] Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (2023), “National Strategy for Social Innovations and Social Enterprises”.
[6] Fletcher, K., H. Kemp and G. Sher (2024), “Germany’s Real Challenges are Aging, Underinvestment, and Too Much Red Tape”, International Monetary Fund.
[5] Institute for Social Research and Social Policy GmbH (2017), European Social Fund: Social Innovation. Reducing training dropouts in geriatric care.
[2] OECD (2023), “Country Fact Sheet: Germany”, https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/topics/policy-sub-issues/social-economy-and-social-innovation/country-fact-sheets/country-fact-sheet-germany.pdf (accessed on 16 January 2025).
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