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The lack of collaboration between companies and schools in the German dual apprenticeship system: Historical background and recent data

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  • Gessler, Michael

Abstract

On the macro level (federal level) and exo level (state or regional level), the German Dual Apprenticeship System shows a high degree of institutionalised collaboration. However, the companies and vocational schools on the meso level (institutional level and level of the actors), in contrast, are just loosely coupled with a dominant partner (i.e., companies) and subordinate partner (i.e., vocational schools). How and why these structures have emerged, established and stabilised is part of a complex historical, societal and economical process. The historical developmental will be elaborated in the article. The term 'dual system' was invented in Germany in the 1960s, and the intention was to emphasise equal responsibilities, partnership of equals, lively encounters and close collaboration between companies and schools. This vision is not yet a reality, as the presented empirical survey demonstrates. A majority of companies do not or rather seldom collaborate with 'their' vocational schools. 74.2% of the companies do not or seldom coordinate their work, and 93% of the companies do not or seldom cooperate with the vocational schools. The German Dual Apprenticeship System operates on the actual meso level just on the basis of less than 30% of its potentiality. The term 'parallel systems' seems to be more appropriate to characterise the actual situation on the meso level than the term 'dual system'.

Suggested Citation

  • Gessler, Michael, 2017. "The lack of collaboration between companies and schools in the German dual apprenticeship system: Historical background and recent data," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 4(2), pages 164-195.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ijrvet:168416
    DOI: 10.13152/IJRVET.4.2.4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gessler, Michael & Howe, Falk, 2015. "From the Reality of Work to Grounded Work-Based Learning in German Vocational Education and Training: Background, Concept and Tools," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 2(3 (Specia), pages 214-238.
    2. Muzyka, Daniel & Breuninger, Hans & Rossell, Gerda, 1997. "The secret of new growth in old German 'Mittelstand' companies," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 147-157, April.
    3. Paul Ryan, 2011. "Apprenticeship: between theory and practice, school and workplace," Economics of Education Working Paper Series 0064, University of Zurich, Department of Business Administration (IBW), revised Oct 2011.
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    1. Gessler, Michael & Peters, Susanne, 2022. "Dual apprenticeship and continuing vocational education and training in Central and Eastern Europe: Opportunities and obstacles for German family businesses," Studien, Stiftung Familienunternehmen / Foundation for Family Businesses, number 273455.
    2. Hanssen, Grete & Utvær, Britt Karin, 2022. "Sense of coherence among apprentices in vocational education and training in Norway: Exploring general resistance resources in work-based learning," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 9(3), pages 363-389.
    3. Heider, Anne & Gerken, Maike & van Dinther, Nicolas & Hülsbeck, Marcel, 2021. "Business model innovation through dynamic capabilities in small and medium enterprises – Evidence from the German Mittelstand," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 635-645.
    4. Andersson, Per & Hellgren, Mattias & Köpsén, Susanne, 2018. "Factors influencing the value of CPD activities among VET teachers," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 5(2), pages 140-164.
    5. Dahlback, Jorunn & Olstad, Hanne Berg & Sylte, Ann Lisa & Wolden, Anne-Catrine, 2020. "The importance of authentic workplace-based assessment: A study from VET teacher education," International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training (IJRVET), European Research Network in Vocational Education and Training (VETNET), European Educational Research Association, vol. 7(3), pages 302-324.

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