Half of Thuringians boasted a secondary school certificate or equivalent in 2022, according to the Thuringian State Statistical Office. That's right, an impressive 50.5% of the population had completed their education beyond the 10th grade. As for higher education entrance qualifications, a whopping third of Thuringians held a ticket to further studies. Younger age groups, specifically those between 25 and 45, led the pack with 43.6% possessing such qualifications. Interestingly, more individuals in this age bracket also held academic degrees than their older counterparts. On the other hand, nearly 20% of Thuringians only managed a lower secondary school leaving certificate.
When it came to employment, a staggering 98.4% of Thuringians in workforce held a school-leaving certificate. Vocational qualifications secured the employment of 89.3% of individuals. However, most Thuringians were substantially employed, with only 1 in 12 opting for self-employment. The number of self-employed individuals with academic degrees was almost double that of self-employed individuals with vocational training or apprenticeships.
Data for this research was collected through the initial results of the microcensus, which surveyed around 1% of households.
Now, let's delve a bit deeper into the world of education in Thuringia. The city of Erfurt, for instance, places a considerable emphasis on educational excellence. Numerous schools in the region contribute to this positive educational environment by preparing their students for higher education entrance qualifications.
Enrichment Data:
- Education Attainment:
- Secondary Education: The University of Erfurt, in collaboration with the Free State of Thuringia, offers the dual teaching degree program in English and American Studies. This program affords students a well-rounded education in both university and school practice, preparing them for a successful career in secondary education. Graduates of this program are obligated to remain in the Free State of Thuringia for their studies, as well as an additional five years through a study contract [2].
- Higher Education: While specific figures on higher education attainment in Thuringia are not provided in the sources, the OECD report on Germany highlights regional disparities in well-being dimensions, including education. The report reveals that Thuringia ranks in the top 5% of OECD regions in terms of education, indicating a strong focus on educational attainment [1].
- Employment Status:
- Teaching Profession: The dual teaching degree program at the University of Erfurt fosters talented individuals who are keen to pursue a career in secondary education. Students enrolled in this program are committed to serving the Free State of Thuringia during and following the completion of their studies, including an obligatory preparatory service [2].
- Self-Employment: In regards to self-employment rates in Thuringia based on education levels, the sources do not provide concrete information. The OECD report on Germany, however, pinpoints regional disparities in well-being dimensions, which may suggest variations in employment opportunities and self-employment rates across regions like Thuringia [1].
- Regional Disparities:
- The OECD report reveals that while the majority of German regions fall within the middle 60% of OECD regions in 9 out of 11 well-being dimensions, there are significant regional disparities in dimensions such as community, safety, and education. Thuringia proves to be a standout in education, but Bremen registers closer to the median of OECD regions, indicating regional variations in educational outcomes and potential employment opportunities [1].
