The Dual System of Vocational Education and Training in Germany – What Can Be Learnt About Education for (Other) Professions

Abstract

The dual system of vocational education and training (VET) in Germany is a specific training system that aims at systematically combining the advantages of training in a company and education in a vocational school. Germany’s dual system is expected to strongly support a successful transition of young people from school to work and to guarantee a skilled workforce as a prerequisite for a successful economy. In addition it plays a role in educating young people. The central goal of VET in the dual system is to help students attain and develop competence in action so that they can meet current and future professional challenges and participate in defining their vocational lives. Because of on-going changes in society, economy and at the workplaces, the dual system has been under pressure of adaptation in order to further maintain its effectiveness and efficacy. Consequently, especially since the 1980s, many adjustment processes have taken place on different levels of the system, namely the institutions involved, the syllabi for the different venues, and the teaching-learning processes. The article will explain the dual system as well as highlight and comment on the different endeavours for its modernisation. It focuses on parity of esteem between general and vocational education and between different forms of vocational education. Furthermore it takes into account cost and benefit of in-company training, modularisation of training occupations, and the relationship between learning and working. As a result, it will give some advice on what can be learnt about education for professions.