At the intersection of vocational and academic qualifications, dual study programs – combining university education and vocational training or practical phases – are an attractive means of securing skilled personnel for businesses.
The economy places special focus on the quality of practical phases in this unique study format, as well as on their curricular, organizational, and contractual integration with the academic components.
Given the dynamic development in the availability and demand for dual study programs, certain minimum requirements are crucial for their further development. These requirements ensure a consistent quality level of the skills imparted through various dual study programs, creating transparency and comparability for all involved while guaranteeing that dual program students are prepared for the labor market.
Practical phases in harmony with academic studies
At the same time, companies need operational flexibility when conducting the practical phases, as overly rigid requirements can limit engagement and hinder access to dual study programs for smaller enterprises.
Among the biggest challenges in developing and implementing dual study offerings are the quality design of practical phases and their curricular, organizational, and contractual embedding within the overall academic concept. For study formats that integrate training, the training regulations provide a basic framework for orientation.
Further information
- Learn more about the economy's position regarding dual study programs in the
DIHK position paper "Practice-oriented university education for tomorrow's skilled workers" (PDF, 758 KB) - The main committee of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has formulated a recommendation for this particular study format from the perspective of vocational education.
- Additionally, the BIBB provides current information and statistics about dual study programs. (only available in German)
- Relevant in topic:
- Serviceportal
Contact
Julia Flasdick
Director Education Policy, Universities, Research and Structural Issues