Vocational Training in Germany Session 3: The role of Government, Industry and trade Unions in training high quality manpower Dietmar Niedziella, DIHK

umbrella organisation for 80 German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCI) every German company is required by law to join a chamber more than 3 mill. member companies co-ordinates bilateral chambers abroad in more than 80 countries (120 offices) The DIHK

The Dual System of Vocational Training days a week as a rule 3 years vocational training act - nationwide training contract In-Firm TrainingVocational School days a week school acts of the 16 “Länder” (states) coordinated nationally educational background set out in compulsory education lower secondary/secondary/grammar school/vocational college

The Vocational Training Act Vocational Training Act from 1969, updated in April 2005 in-firm training follows the same law all over Germany! – equal legal relationship between trainee and instructor – equal administration of apprenticeships through CCIs – equal exams administrated through CCIs – possibility to work abroad during vocational training every profession has its own national decree – contents of apprenticeship – contents of intermediate and final examination

Characteristic Elements of the Dual System training based on practical requirements of the companies responsibility shared between public and private sector co-operation of stakeholders: – Federal Ministries – “Länder” (State) Ministries – Employers’ Associations – Trade Unions develop national decrees for qualification profiles / VET- standards (e. g. duration and contents of training, examination requirements )

How are training regulations developed? Training regulations − duration − designation of the occupation − contents: decision – making skills (knowledge, skills) „Länder“ trade unionseconomy government

Benefits of the Dual System for enterprises: influence on content and organisation of vocational training at medium-term: low recruitment costs next generation of skilled workers assured for trainees: labour market relevant training acquisition of social skills, personality development motivating situation (earning and learning) for the state: private sector contribution eases the burden on public budgets relatively low rate of youth unemployment

Facts and Figures (2007) 60 % of the young people take part in the dual system over 1,6 Mio. trainees altogether, more than new contracts per year German economy spends € 30 billion per year on vocational training average costs of a trainee in the dual system a year: € approx. 350 nationwide recognized training occupations (250 in the field of industry, trade and services) over professional experts work on a honorary basis in the examination boards of the CCIs

National Pact on Apprenticeship 2004: Agreement between Federal Government and employers associations to prevent the so-called training levy, a law, which was planned to force companies to either provide training places or pay money instead. concluded on a completely voluntary basis main aim: all applicants, who are capable and willing to start an apprenticeship, get an offer promises of the economy: – offer new apprenticeship training positions – offer positions for courses leading to a first qualification – acquire new training companies

support and assist companies – that initially want to start vocational training – that need help during the vocational training support and assist the trainees (e. g. Europass) provide and register the training contracts examine trainees and instructors – intermediate examinations – final examinations – instructors examinations The Role of the CCIs

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