For many young people in Germany the answer to the question of how to obtain a good job no longer seems to be an apprenticeship, but a degree course. But there are also examples to prove the contrary.
The unique German dual training system is of excellent repute in many countries. Yet many details of how this efficient system works are not so well-known.
Vocational education and higher education offer different, in part also competing educational pathways. Looking beyond the sometimes agitated debate about the competition between the two systems, what matters is building bridges. Because both sectors can learn from one another; in which case, vocational education must be a fully-fledged system, recognised as an educational phase of equal status.
Skilled workers are sought-after in Germany. For this reason the federal government has made securing qualified professionals a goal of its policies and supports the selective immigration of foreign professionals.
The partners in the training alliance aim to do their bit to ensure that refugees can begin training or work as swiftly as possible. At a meeting, stakeholders have specified what support they need. "We are acting now," said Federal Education Minister Johanna Wanka.
Well-trained employees are a competitive advantage for businesses. Advanced training helps to keep vocational qualification levels up-to-date, safeguards jobs and improves career prospects.
