Dual system
Germany's VET-System is a success-story, because it combines the education system with the first labor market. This ensures or at least paves the way for the transition of young people from the education system into the first labor market.
- 350 state-recognized professional training schemes; Training in the so-called "dual system". For in-company training the responsibility lies with the federal government, the economy and its organisations, the school-based part is the responsibility of the federal states in 2,000 vocational schools.
- 1,6 million apprentices are trained in the "dual system" (55 percent of an age-group each year)
- 500,000 apprentices are in full-time vocational schools (responsibility of the federal states)
- For each profession the federal government issues a training scheme, valid nationwide with qualification and examination requirements
- Training based on practical requirements of the companies, responsibility shared between public and private sector
- Stakeholder (such as Ministries, Employers’ associations, Trade unions, DIHK) jointly develop qualification profiles and training contents and schedules
- Final evidence of skills provided by examinations
The VET is – based on training contract – devided in
- On the job training in companies
3 - 3½ days a week
2 - 3½ years - Education in vocational schools run by the federal states
1 - 2 days a week
Benefits of German VET
- For companies
Influence on content and organization
Low recruitment costs
Skilled workers supply assured - For trainees
Employment market related training
Salary from companies
Social skills included - For the state
Lower costs for vocational training
Low rate of unemployment
Legal basis
- German Chambers of Commerce and Industry Act (1956)
- Vocational Training Act of 1969 (updated 2005)
regulates the vocational training in companies and determines the role of the stakeholders, their rights and duties
regulates the further training
defines the German Chambers as "competent bodies"
