Dual system of vocational training an export success

The dual system of vocational training is becoming a sought-after product all around the world: Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Education Minister Johanna Wanka hosted a conference to highlight experiences from around the globe with Germany's dual system of vocational training.

The ministers said that the dual system of vocational training "Made in Germany" was to something to show pride in worldwide.

Worldwide interest in well-trained skilled workers has grown in recent years. The international discussion of vocational training has focused in part on the German system of dual vocational training.

Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Education Minister Johanna Wanka opened the conference "German businesses – Pioneers of the dual system of vocational training abroad" together with Eric Schweitzer, President of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK). In their opening speeches, both ministers emphasized the growing importance of well-trained workers, adding that the dual system of vocational training ensured well-trained workers and low youth unemployment at the same time.

Both large German companies and small and medium-sized enterprises provide vocational training worldwide. Several of these companies shared their experience and presented information about best practices in the field of vocational training abroad at the conference. There were two panel discussions with other companies and international guests. Deciding to provide training abroad is a sign of long-term commitment in the host country and partnership on equal terms.

The dual system of vocational training stands out for its tight integration of acquiring work experience in companies and theoretical background knowledge in vocational schools. This helps young people get started in their careers.

DIHK President Schweitzer said that although youth unemployment in the European Union had risen to an average of 23 percent, the figure for Germany was only 7 percent. He put this down to the success of the dual system of vocational training.

A glance at the numbers makes it clear how much demand there is for cooperation in the field of vocational training. Education Minister Wanka said that Germany had already signed more than forty bilateral cooperation agreements in the field of vocational training. She added that building upon this her ministry founded the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training as a central clearing house for international exchange, development and advice in the field of vocational training.

In many locations around the world, the embassies work together with the around 80 Chambers of Commerce Abroad on vocational training initiatives. DIHK President Schweitzer said that the focus on practical matters on the one hand and expertise on the other was a big advantage of the companies that implemented vocational training.

Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle explained that both the DIHK and the network of Chambers of Commerce Abroad were natural and important partners in the field of dual vocational training. He thanked the DIHK for also holding up Germany's good reputation worldwide.