Careers within the dual vocational education and training system have seldom been as promising as they are today. Up-to-date and modern vocational education and training regulations are indispensable to this end. The German Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology has modernised twelve vocational education and training regulations, which became effective at the beginning of the current vocational training year (1 August 2013).
The German Federal Minister of Economy and Technology, Dr Philipp Rösler: "Our dual vocational education and training system made in Germany is the object of worldwide envy. With good reason it is a hit and the foundation for the success of vocational education and training in Germany. It provides a broad spectrum of occupations not only for motivated high-performers. Many vocational training programmes enable also young people without university entrance qualification or secondary school leaving certificate to make a transition from school to a career."
In a future-oriented approach, the vocational education and training content as well as the examinations for the following professions were adapted to meet the technological challenges:
- Media designer digital and print,
- Aircraft electronics technician,
- Aircraft mechanic,
- Orthopaedic technology mechanic,
- Automotive mechatronics fitter,
- Materials tester,
- Wine technologist,
- Plumber,
- Electronics technician for information and systems technology,
- Production mechanic.
Besides, two new professions are introduced:
- Trained assistant for metal technology and
- Stamping and forming mechanic.
With the implementation of the new two-year apprenticeship course of trained assistant for metal technology, of the three-year course of stamping and forming mechanic and the modernisation of the three-year course of production mechanic, eleven old professions become obsolete. Together with the five remaining industrial metal professions, this now results in the creation of an interchangeable occupational group, providing businesses and applicants with a high degree of clarity and flexibility.