In the Federal Republic of Germany the most important form of training leading to a vocational qualification and the focus of all initial vocational training is the "dual system" of in-firm and in-school learning. Other forms of initial vocational training include apprenticeships, training in a firm, and vocational schools. Trainers employed by an industrial firm are typically salary earners in a technical occupation or a master craftsman. Two educational routes lead to the position of training manager: training to skilled worker level followed by advanced training or study at a technical college. In-firm training staff are normally recruited from within the firm. Vocational school teachers receive their training in two stages: a university course of at least 8 semesters and practical training of 6 to 12 months as well as 18 months of postgraduate preservice training as a probationary teacher. Problems arise from the fact that vocational school teachers now receive training at universities--training that is theoretical rather than practical. In the case of in-firm training, the weakness is that trainers are not professionals but are employees of the firm and do not teach more extensive and comprehensive skills and knowledge than the firm feels employees need. (YLB)