KV reform: «We want to focus on the strengths of apprentices»

Ms Ziltener, the KV apprenticeship was reformed and the changes have been implemented since August 2023. Is the reform your response to the increasing digitalisation of the world of work?

Digitalisation is certainly a large part of this, after all, the last major reform was carried out in 2003. In the intervening 20 years, the labour market has undergone an incredible amount of development. A new generation with a different understanding of work has grown up, pedagogy in schools has changed and, as I said, there are digital challenges to overcome, but also to utilise sensibly.

To what extent is artificial intelligence influencing the commercial world of work?

People have been working with AI-based tools for a long time, which is why training has been geared towards common work processes as part of the reform. AI tools are recognised and used in the same way as other digital tools, such as data analysis tools. It is always important not only to use them, but also to understand what is behind them.

What new opportunities and risks of digitalisation have been addressed in training since the reform?

Digital tools can do a lot, but there is also a lot they cannot do. Digital tools reproduce stereotypes, for example, and the question of sustainability arises due to the huge amounts of data. If I use a data analysis tool, for example, I always have to ask myself: Where does the data that this tool spits out come from? Nevertheless, the principle of accounting must be understood so that the results of accounting tools can be interpreted correctly. As part of the training reform, a framework was created to ensure that such topics have a place.

Teams today are often organised in an agile way and hierarchies are flatter. This requires self-competence, which needs to be practised.

Which other competences have been expanded or redefined?

Project management is certainly one of the most important «new packages» and demands more personal responsibility at work. Today, teams are often organised in an agile way and hierarchies are flatter. This requires self-competence, which needs to be practised. How can I organise myself? Where and from whom do I get support when I need it?

Being able to answer these questions is an important prerequisite for succeeding in a commercial business. In general, work is often project-based, which is why the skills for this are promoted with various tools. At the vocational college, everything is now learnt in areas of competence, there are no longer any subjects.

That means?

School education is organised according to the principle that content can be applied directly in practice. According to the latest pedagogical findings - which were also incorporated in the course of the reform - knowledge can be better acquired in this way. The final examination has also been shortened because it is now recognised that it is possible to achieve a valid result with a shorter examination.

All apprentices should be offered an exciting career that suits them.

You mentioned the necessary self-competences. Since the reform, has it also been possible to focus more on learners' individual strengths?

Absolutely. The reform was an attempt to create a pathway that can cater to the individual strengths of learners. The aim is to enable all apprentices to pursue an exciting career that suits them. In the final year of the apprenticeship, the specialisation can be chosen from four options.

You can choose between: Communication in the national language, communication in the first foreign language, finance or technology. This choice is then focussed on simultaneously at the vocational college and in the training company, which in turn enables the transfer of knowledge.

Many things have been adapted and optimised in training. What qualities should prospective apprentices have in return?

Enjoying the language is certainly an important factor. The ability to express yourself well in writing and orally and a good reading comprehension are also essential. In addition, working as a businessman or businesswoman is based on a fundamental interest in how the company is organised and functions.

If any of these qualities are lacking, motivation can quickly suffer. However, if these qualities are present, CT offers exciting and varied job opportunities in various sectors. The entire professional field, from accounting and communication to project management and HR, is open to trainees after their apprenticeship.