Referring to historical debates and theories on vocational education and training (VET) since the 19th century and developments up to the present day, this paper considers the cultural conditions that were relevant for the emergence and legitimisation of vocational education and training and, in particular, the dual principle of apprenticeships in…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to compare stakeholders' roles in Germany and Switzerland when it comes to promoting innovation in the dual apprenticeship model. In both countries, the relevant stakeholders who represent the various occupations and, in a more narrow sense, the social partners, actively shape vocational education and training…

Inquiries into vocational education and training (VET) systems are normally characterised by looking at institutions and steering mechanisms. That aside, however, it is culture which underlies both the practice and the theory as well as the policy of VET in various countries. Specific problems arise when it comes to harmonising VET systems through…

Germany's apprenticeship system is and has always been considered to be the major sub-system of VET. In this context, the debate circling around the European and German Qualifications Framework (EQF and DQR) has become one of the central issues of VET research and policy. Tasks take on a concrete shape if (a) a serious approach is adopted towards…

Purpose: To provide information and insight into the potential of reforms in full-time vocational education and training (VET) (practice firms in vocational colleges) in contrast with apprenticeships against the background of training market frictions in Germany. Design/methodology/approach: Structural information on the German VET system;…

The Dual System of apprenticeship in Germany is comprehensive, highly regulated, and highly regarded by participants. changes may include greater flexibility or differentiation. Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland is highly fragmented, voluntary, and held in low esteem. A legislative framework and consensual governance may be required. (Contains 60…

Purpose ? This paper proposes to investigate the modernisation of the German Dual System for apprenticeships. Design/methodology/approach ? The paper looks at the history of the development of the Dual System and looks at the challenges it faces today. Findings ? The paper finds that Germany, with its long-standing tradition of dual…

Identifies major features of the German dual system of vocational education and apprenticeship: dual learning venues, public responsibility for training, self-government, private commitment to training, and the vocational principle. Suggests reasons why the German system may solve the qualifications problem but is unlikely to be emulated…

Germany's Dual System of apprenticeship and training has been criticized for obsolescence and social segmentation. Some advocate a more flexible approach to improve training programs. Although new types of training are emerging, the lower end of the qualifications ladder is being neglected. (Contains 60 references.) (SK)

The dual system of vocational education and apprenticeship in Germany originated in the crafts sector, with predominantly male participation. As the services sector rapidly expands, the question arises whether small businesses in this sector will be able or willing to follow the dual system. (Contains 55 references.) (JOW)

The German education system has recently come under fire with the publication of various international studies on student performance (OECD 2000; 2003). And in the first national "Education Report" (Bildungsbericht) published in October 2003 (Avenarius et al. 2003), the German ministers of education point out serious deficiencies in the…

Explores the link between the established tradition of a nation's vocational training system and the specific pattern of state or government involvement in the process of skill formation. Maintains that the German government's participation in quality control and selective admission is limited and offset by other factors. (MJP)

A major proposition is that dual training arrangements alone do not necessarily solve quality problems in the delivery of vocational education and training (VET) nor improve VET links to the labor market. An essential strategy for Australia should be to further develop holistic training courses linked to apprenticeship models and embed both into a…