Catastrophe for NRW: G9 change is missing from high school graduates!

Catastrophe for NRW: G9 change is missing from high school graduates!

The return from G8 to G9 in North Rhine-Westphalia has far-reaching effects on the education system and the subsequent social areas. For 2026, it is predicted that up to 80,000 to 90,000 high school graduates could be missing, which will lead to a massive shortage of skilled workers. This applies not only to study, but also the area of ​​training and voluntary services. An alarming signal that affects employers and social institutions equally, since many places could remain vacant.

The sponsors of voluntary services are alerted and draw a dark picture of the coming years. Karen Rau from the International Bund explains: "The high school graduation 2026 affects all sponsors of voluntary services." The German Red Cross (DRK) Niederrhein estimates that 50 to 60 percent of the volunteer positions cannot be filled. In view of around 18,000 people who compete in North Rhine -Westphalia, 40 to 70 percent of the applications from high school graduates come. With the elimination of a large year, there are considerable bottlenecks in social institutions, hospitals, daycare centers and schools.

effects on social services and institutions

The uncertainty about the personnel situation in the social field is another concern. Employers in these institutions have to adapt to increased competition for the remaining school leavers. There is a risk that the mouth-to-mouth propaganda decreases for job occupations, which could further tighten the situation. It is also unclear how a possibly mandatory social year will affect the situation in the context of a new introduction of conscription. Many social providers who look after FSJLers could suffer from potential structure reduction.

In comparison, social institutions in Bavaria report that the switch to G9 will also lead to a dramatic decline in high school graduates. In 2025 you only expect 5,900 instead of the usual 34,000 high school graduates. This situation is perceived as alarming, especially since around 40 percent less volunteers are expected. Employees of the Bavarian Red Cross express comparable fears about personnel bottlenecks in ambulance. These developments raise questions about the future of the future of social services and are not only limited to NRW.

background of the reform

The discussion about the return to G9 and the associated strain on students and teachers shows the complexity of the topic. The school time reform has a long history that goes back to the Weimar period. Over the years there have been adaptations that were characterized by social and educational policy requirements. The introduction of the G8 system from the millennium should strengthen competitiveness. Nevertheless, it was shown that the reform did not bring the desired results in practice. Critics mainly criticized the high pressure to perform and the superficiality of learning.

The significant costs of a return to G9, which are set to an estimated 500 million euros in Bavaria and in NRW on even higher sums, also raise questions about financing. Both teacher lacks and challenges in integration and digitization require a differentiated view of the reforms in the education system. Current studies show that there are no consistent differences between G8 and G9 students.