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Contemporary challenges to the German vocational training system

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  • Kathleen Thelen

Abstract

The German vocational training system has played a central role in sustaining the competitive strength of German manufacturing. This article provides an analysis of contemporary developments in this system to assess its likely future trajectory. I begin by underscoring the differences and similarities of the German system to alternative arrangements that have emerged in other countries. I then turn to recent trends in Germany that have caused concern among policy‐makers about the continued strength and viability of the vocational training system. I discuss reforms undertaken in the past few years that point to incremental, though possibly transformative, changes in the system designed to reduce costs and increase flexibility through renegotiations on two fronts: between general training standards and firm needs and training practices, and between the in‐plant and school‐based components of training.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathleen Thelen, 2007. "Contemporary challenges to the German vocational training system," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(3), pages 247-260, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:reggov:v:1:y:2007:i:3:p:247-260
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5991.2007.00013.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Nicklich, Manuel & Blank, Marco & Pfeiffer, Sabine, 2025. "Realizing decent work in a "sandwich" position: Assessing VET trainers' working conditions in times of multiple transformations," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 12(1), pages 101-126.
    3. Pardesi, Mantej, 2024. "Productivity Convergence and Firm’s Training Strategy," Research Memorandum 003, Maastricht University, Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE).
    4. Marius R. Busemeyer & Renate Neubäumer & Harald Pfeifer & Felix Wenzelmann, 2012. "The transformation of the G erman vocational training regime: evidence from firms’ training behaviour," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(6), pages 572-591, November.
    5. Marius R. Busemeyer, 2012. "Business as a Pivotal Actor in the Politics of Training Reform: Insights from the Case of Germany," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 50(4), pages 690-713, December.
    6. Lukas Graf & Alexandra Strebel & Patrick Emmenegger, 2023. "State‐led bricolage and the extension of collective governance: Hybridity in the Swiss skill formation system," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(1), pages 103-120, January.
    7. Pardesi, Mantej, 2024. "Productivity convergence and firm’s training strategy," ROA Research Memorandum 003, Maastricht University, Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA).
    8. Xing Yi & Jinghe Zhang & Hong Yan & Lei Zhou, 2025. "Vocational education reform and corporate skilled human capital: Evidence from China," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 46(4), pages 2086-2102, June.
    9. Niccolo Durazzi, 2023. "Engineering the expansion of higher education: High skills, advanced manufacturing, and the knowledge economy," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(1), pages 121-141, January.

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