The dual training system is the most important pillar of vocational education in Germany and is held in high regard worldwide. The recipe for the system's success: It combines learning and working. From the outset, it focuses on 'learning by doing' in the company, thereby avoiding artificial learning situations purely geared towards theory.

Practice in the Company, Theory in the Vocational School

The foundation is a training contract between the young person and the company, which – depending on the complexity of the training profession – is concluded for a period of two to three and a half years. During this time, trainees receive a gradually increasing remuneration.

In the company, specially qualified trainers impart practical professional know-how. There, the trainees generally learn their future profession under realistic conditions for three to four days a week. Complementarily, they receive vocational school instruction – either two days a week or in blocks. The content taught in the company is coordinated with what is covered in vocational schools.

In some professions, young people take an intermediate examination during their training to check their learning progress. At the end of the training period stands the final examination. If the training was overseen by a German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it also administers the final exam.

At the end of every training period, the final examination always marks the conclusion, which, for IHK professions, is administered by the respective German Chamber of Commerce and Industry on-site.

The training contents are developed as close to practice as possible and are modernized when needed. After all, the private sector knows best which qualifications are particularly crucial for the respective professional profiles. In a complex process, experts from practical company training and vocational schools, along with social partners, work together to define the required knowledge and skills profiles. The training contents are then laid down in nationwide regulations, ensuring a uniform standard across Germany.

Win-Win Concept for Companies, Trainees, and the Economy

As a result, all parties benefit. Companies that train their own workforce secure their skilled workers of tomorrow and ensure that their qualifications precisely meet operational requirements. For the economy, which relies on skilled young talent, dual vocational training is an important locational factor.

Young people undergoing dual training not only achieve a degree of financial independence early on but also have excellent career prospects and often transition seamlessly from training to permanent employment. Even if this is not successful, they are employable and mobile across the entire country.

No wonder Germany boasts the lowest youth unemployment rate in the European Union: The dual system has proved to be the best model for integrating young people into the labor market worldwide.

© DIHK / Quelle: Eurostat

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