The dual system in German speaking countries Barbara Winkler Bergamo, 17 December 2010

The dual system Company-based training Vocational school

The dual system recognized training occupations: in Germany 348, in Switzerland 240 and in Austria approximately 263. apprentices are between years old when they start training duration: 2 to 4 years apprentices conclude the training with the apprenticeship leave exam

The apprenticeship section: Training in the real world of work Work contract with the employer Full social insurance Retribution regulated by collective agreement Protection against dismissals  Under the guidance of the Federal Institute for Vocational Training and Education, experts from companies, industrial chambers and trade unions develop the training regulation for the apprenticeship Selection of the company and the instructor:  The instructor must have the necessary professional and educational skills  The company must have the necessary facilities and equipment

The vocational school section: general education and professional education Experts from the Regions develop the curricula (coordination with the training regulation in the companies) General subjects and professional education in “Lernfeldern” (learning fields) => interdisciplinary curricula

Why a dual system? Need for skilled workforce Companies invest => loyality and commitment High labour costs and large differences between remuneration of apprentices and unskilled/skilled workers Entry into the labour market

Participants in the dual system

Costs and benefits of the dual system

Challenges and Policies Create more training places Create new and flexible training schemes Create more inter-company training centers Promote the general eduation and training preparation of young people Promote transitions between apprenticeship training and higher education

Challenges and Policies  Germany: National Pact for Career Training and Skilled Manpower Development ( , signed by government and employers’ organisations) career orientation matching inclusion of immigrants new apprenticeship positions apprenticeship as an alternative to further secondary education, universities and other higher institutions

To collaborate: