The German dual system combines work and schooling through a 3-year apprenticeship program leading to qualifications in 350 occupations. Over 50% of students choose this pathway for upper secondary education. Students are also sorted into vocational schools or gymnasium schools around age 16. In the dual system, students sign contracts with employers at age 16 to learn skills through a combination of workplace training and academic coursework over 3 years. While early tracking and lack of qualifications for some students are issues, the dual system effectively prepares many Germans for successful career transitions through its combination of learning by doing in the workplace and academic theory.

1. The German Dual System
A U.S. Observer Reflects on a Strong VET System
By Robert B. Schwarts
Omar Cova
TUL555

2. German System
 The Dual System is a pathway in which young people combine work and
schooling in a carefully crafted 3 year apprenticeship program leading to a
recognized qualification in one of 350 occupations.
 53% choose their dual system a their pathway through upper secondary
education.
 In addition to the dual system there exist full-time vocational schools offering
2 or 3 year programs focusing on health-care or commercial occupations.
 These school serve another 15%---meaning that by the age of 20, 2/3 of
Germans receive an occupational qualification.
 ¼ of young Germans pursue a University Education.

3. 2 Features of the German system: 1st feature
Gymnasium
Academically Strong Student
Finish 12th
Obtain “Abitur” diploma
Pursue University Education
17% of Abitur holders enroll in
the dual system before going to
university
Realschule
Students are assigned to this
type of school.
Students are a part of this
schooling from 4th grade until
10th grade (16yrs old)
Students receive certification.
Option to transfer to Gymnasium
(depends on grades) or
Vocational training
Hauptschule
Academically weak studetns are
assigned to this group.
When student finished 9th grade
certification is received for
Vocational Education
This school is likely to remain a
major barrier to achieving
equitable labor market
outcomes, especially for
children of immigrants.
Students are sorted into 2 or 3 different types of middle schools after 4th grade.

4. 2 Features of the German system: 2nd feature
 At 16, students are asked to choose an occupation:
 Sign a contract with specific employer outlining terms and conditions of the
work and learning program.
 This agreement is for 3 years.
 Contracts are not binding—20% of apprentices break their contract in the first
year, moving to a more suitable occupation.
 One occupation must be chosen from 360 choices.

5. Learn by DOING
Academic Concepts
and skills are best
developed by
application
Academic skills are
best developed
through embedding
them in the
presentation of
complex workplace
problems.
Focus on helping
student understand
theory
What can the U.S. learn from Germany?
VET System Pedagogy

6. German System flaws
• Early student tracking (Hauptschule) leaves students with weaker
academic skills.
• These student have a much harder time finding an apprenticeship
than other students.
• 15% of VET grads fail to obtain a labor market qualification by their
mid 20’s.
• Among those labled “migrants” 36% of them are without
qualifications.

7. Author takeaways
 Underlying belief that from late adolescence onward, most young people learn best in structured
programs that combine work and learning.
 It’s not just about learning but how best to enable young people to make a successful transition
“from initial education to working life”
 Deep German investment, social as well as financial:
 Supports development of next generation workers
 Supports transitions from adolescence to adulthood
 Find a viable way to adapt this system in the US:
 Engages employers and educators
 Collaborative approach in the education/training of future workers
 Produce important social and economic returns on investment

8. Source and additional resources
Hoffman, N. (2011). Schooling in the Workplace: How Six of the World's Best
Vocational Education Systems Prepare Young People for Jobs and Life. Cambridge:
Harvard Education Press.. 99-105pps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzNM2BqKsxs