Vocational qualification - Start into a future full of prospects

The German economy is dependent on a well trained skilled labour force. The dual system of vocational education and training increasingly opens up new career opportunities. In order for the dual system of vocational education and training to meet the requirements of a continually changing demand structure, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) has revised several training regulations in time for the start of the new vocational training year.

The vocational education and training curricula and examination topics of the following occupations have been modernised in co-operation with the social partners (employers and unions):

 

1. Trained food engineering specialist
2. Trained ice cream specialist
3. Motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanics
4. Office management assistant
5. Management assistant for insurances and finances
6. Mechatronics engineer for agricultural and construction vehicles
7. Upholsterer
8. Confectionery technician
9. Maker of plucked musical instruments
10. Mechatronics engineer for two-wheeled vehicles

 

For example, the vocational education and training programme for motor vehicle body and vehicle construction mechanics was adapted to reflect the technological changes with regards to new repair and diagnosis methods, new joining techniques as well as tightened provisions for reducing harmful substances.

So far, three different office occupations existed: "Office communication assistants", "Office assistants" for trade and industry, and "Office communication clerks" for the public sector. These three occupations now have been combined to form the modern occupation of "Office management assistant" with currently approximately 84,000 apprenticeship contracts.

This largest dual system vocational education and training profession provides the fully trained assistants with greater flexibility on the employment market due to cross-departmental qualifications. Tailored elective qualifications cover the specific office tasks in companies and government agencies.

In the case of the vocational education and training provision for mechatronics engineers for agricultural and construction vehicles, the examination times and examination equipment have been significantly optimised. In future, the demand on the time of full-time master craftsmen and qualified personnel in this field will be less. With this measure, the BMWi hopes to once again win over more young practitioners for the examination committees.

A central challenge of vocational education and training policy is to identify potential and to implement technological developments in a timely manner. Modern training regulations are indispensable when it comes to increasing the appeal of the dual vocational education and training system for young people. This is the only way to strengthen Germany as a site for production and technology.