Continuity and Change in Apprenticeships Revisited: A comparative study between Scotland and Germany

Abstract

The chapter reflects back on a joint article with Thomas Deissinger in 2000 on apprenticeships (‘Continuity and Change in Apprenticeship Systems: A comparative study between Scotland and Germany’). It is a comparative paper examining the relative merits and weaknesses of Germany and Scotland in consolidating their respective apprenticeship systems. It covers an eighteen year period and relies heavily upon secondary data sources and the existing literature. The data would suggest that the German Dual System continues to be held in high regard by both young people and employers, can claim to have national coverage across occupations and has adapted to new challenges, particular the influx of overseas workers and issues relating to gender disparities. Scotland, on the other hand, has struggled to build a national apprenticeship system, has relied on foundation apprenticeships to reach national apprenticeship targets and continues to operate within an unregulated labour market. The chapter concludes by making the argument for all apprentices to given an apprenticeship contract and to set a national standard for the level of apprenticeships, based upon Level 3 intermediate qualifications. Finally, the paper acknowledges that Thomas had not only championed the German system of apprenticeships but also acquired an expert and sympathetic understanding of the Scottish system.