Theory and practice all in one

As is well known, two are better than one. Completing a degree and gaining a vocational qualification in one go is a good move. This is the view of an increasing number of young people when they start their degree today - but it is also the view of an increasing number of businesses who are looking for talented young people.

With the pressure of the emerging shortage of skilled workers, a great deal is happening in the area of vocational education and training and university degree courses. Both aspirations can actually be combined effectively.

Dual degrees are very popular at the moment. Last year approximately 100,000 students were enrolled on a dual degree. These figures increase every year, as can be seen in statistics from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB).

This also applies to companies who, in some cases by working closely with universities (of applied science) and vocational academies, are continuing to develop the attractiveness of this form of training. Sometimes the courses are integrated with training, sometimes with practical elements. They may also work alongside the occupation or they may integrate the occupation.

At present it is assumed that approximately 45,000 businesses are involved in different forms of dual study as training partners. The high level of practical relevance combined with academic requirements appears to be the driving force behind this successful model. Dual degrees have been part of everyday life for long time for all large well-known companies. However, a large number of small and medium-sized companies have now also jumped on board.

As a result of the close collaboration between universities and training companies, a large number of degree courses have been created which have achieved a high degree of specialisation. Approximately 1,500 degree courses are listed in the BIBB database.

The broadest range is offered by universities of applied science. These dominate the market with a share of 67 per cent. 26 per cent of the dual degree courses are offered in cooperation with vocational academies and dual universities. Traditional universities account for just short of 5 per cent. These continue to struggle with the development and hold onto their traditional structures.

The most widespread version of the dual degree is the degree with integrated training. This combines vocational education and training with a Bachelor's degree, and results in two qualifications. Approximately 39 per cent of courses fall into this category.

Also, the BIBB database now contains just under 50 per cent of other formats such as degree courses with integrated practical elements. These combine an academic qualification with arranged practical phases based in a company. Mixed forms have also increased. These involve students with different types of contracts, for example training or work placement contracts. These courses make up approximately 12 per cent.

The demands on students are still very high. In many cases this actually involves the kind of double workload which is extremely demanding in terms of motivation, commitment, and discipline. While some students barely find time to sleep during exam periods, dual students also have the day-to-day work as well as the particular content of the vocational education and training.

Despite all the additional stress and organisational problems, dual students however have one advantage over their classmates. Training remuneration ensures the financing for the degree.

This is because they are remunerated during the degree because they are working in a business. Duration for dual degree courses varies according to the concept and the company, however in most cases it is comparable to the salary earned during training.