History and Structure of the Dual Education System
– Dual education system emerged after the passage of the Vocational Training Act of 1969
– Vocational training was historically organized by guilds through apprenticeships
– The Vocational Training Act standardized the system across Germany
– Coordination between state, private sector, and trade unions allowed for development of public education programs and apprenticeships
– Reforms in 2005 enhanced the dual education system
– Lessons at a vocational school cover general subjects and trade-specific theory
– Responsibility for the school section lies with the school authorities in each German state or Swiss canton
– Lessons may be taught part-time or in blocks of several weeks
– Part-time lessons are preferred for trades with a small number of students
– Travel distances to vocational schools may be a factor in lesson scheduling
– In Germany, examinations are organized by the small business trade group and chamber of commerce and industry
– First examination tests the student’s progress and does not contribute to the final exam
– Journeymans tests are traditional examinations for trained artisans
– Examinations for recently recognized trades have a different weighting system
– Students who fail the exam can apply for one extension
Advantages of the Dual Education System
– Students are employees of the company from the beginning, gaining practical experience and knowledge of the company’s workflow
– Dual education allows students to develop under real conditions and assess their suitability for the job early on
– Students earn money from the beginning of their training
– Dual education provides high-quality vocational training, preparing students for the job market
– Dual education systems contribute to low youth unemployment rates and economic success in countries like Germany and Austria
Difficulties in Exporting Dual Education
– The dual education system in Germany is regulated and funded by the federal government and German states
– The success of the system in Germany is due to its long-historical culture of apprenticeships
– Other countries may face challenges in adapting the dual education system due to specific conditions and cultural differences
– Some countries lack the high standard of education provided by the German government
– Social problems like high college costs and economic inequality can hinder the effectiveness of a dual education system
Present-day and Future of the Dual Education System
– Dual education in Germany involves cooperation between small and medium companies
– The system is regulated by law, and employers and trade unions create new training regulations
– Certificates are standardized across all industries to ensure consistent training
– Employers trust the certificates as evidence of an individual’s knowledge
– The government, employers, and trade unions have shared responsibility in responding to changing job markets
– The dual education system is expanding to include Continuous Vocational Educational Training (CVET)
– Older workers are using the system to gain new skills in the evolving labor market
– Dual education may help countries like Germany and Austria adapt to ongoing economic transformation
– The system allows employers to test potential candidates as apprentices, making the hiring process smoother
– While the system has advantages, apprentices may face challenges with obsolescence of skills in rapidly changing industries
Vocational Education Benefits, Role of Companies, and Challenges
– High-quality training programs
– Close alignment with industry needs
– Opportunities for apprenticeships and internships
– Improved job prospects and higher earning potential
– Development of practical skills and work experience
– Act as training providers
– Offer apprenticeships and practical training
– Collaborate with schools and vocational institutions
– Provide real-world work experience
– Contribute to the development of industry-specific skills
– Addressing skills gaps and changing industry demands
– Enhancing the attractiveness of vocational education
– Promoting gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields
– Encouraging lifelong learning and upskilling
– Improving the transition from education to employment Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_education_system
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A dual education system combines apprenticeships in a company and vocational education at a vocational school in one course. This system is practiced in several countries, notably Germany, Austria, Switzerland and in the German-speaking Community of Belgium, but also for some years now in South Korea.
In the Duales Ausbildungssystem, students can learn one of 250 (as of 2022) apprenticeship occupations (Ausbildungsberufe), such as Doctor's Assistant, Dispensing Optician or Oven Builder. The precise skills and theory taught are strictly regulated and defined by national standards: An Industriekaufmann (Industrial Manager) has always acquired the same skills and taken the same courses in production planning, accounting and controlling, marketing, HR management, trade laws, etc. Especially in southern Germany this model is also used for a special college system called Duale Hochschule.
In France, dual education (formation en alternance) has gained a lot of popularity since the 1990s, with information technology being the greatest draw. The Dual Education system in France, also known as the "Alternance" system, is an approach to learning where students alternate between periods of academic studies and work experience. This hybrid model of education and vocational training is designed to give students both practical knowledge and theoretical skills, providing a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field.
In South Korea, the German and Swiss dual apprenticeship system was studied and implemented by then President Park Geun-hye to address South Korea's more glaring employment needs including tackling the country's high youth employment rate and as well as reforming South Korea's entire education system. Since the rise of Meister schools and modern reforms through the implementation of vocational education in the South Korean education system, graduates from vocational high schools have been successful in navigating through South Korea's highly competitive and sluggish job market as they possess relevant skill sets that are in high demand in the South Korean economy.
